Today I had lunch with a friend I had not seen in a long time. Though there is nothing in her external appearance that betrays the fact, she is gradually losing her eyesight.
For me, seeing her after long absence was like experiencing a vision. She seemed illuminated, infused with something indefinable that I was unable to see before. As if veils had been lifted away, I saw her simultaneously in the here and now and in a sequence of memories going back over many years.
The soft nimbus of curls around her beautiful and animated face is now a fine pale grey, a sharp contrast to her very dark brown eyes with their inky pupils.
Watching my friend's lively hand gestures as she spoke, hearing her voice, I apprehended the precious miracle of her unique individuality. I remembered many perceptive, funny and poignant things she has said over the years.
How glad I am to have met and talked and laughed with my soul sister over a lunch that lasted all afternoon. I feel profoundly grateful for the unique experience of seeing my old friend as if for the first time.
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