I’m writing my story, a memoir of sorts, and I’m at a difficult part. In one sense there’s a feeling of release when I make my way through something that I’ve stuffed so far down it’s hard to even bring it back.
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That happened today.
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Then a Balinese friend stopped by. He blew my mind with kindness and I dissolved into tears. There was a mixed group around us and they absolutely did not know what to do. His random act was so complete and so unexpected it overwhelmed me. Then, just to make matters even more unacceptable (crying is frowned upon here) I hugged him. That is, of course, a high holy no-no in Bali!
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His friends laughed, whether in nervous embarrassment for him, or for me, or for some unrelated reason I don’t know, but it accomplished what was needed. I disappeared until I could muster up a little decorum.
When I tried to sit down and write again after all that, it was impossible. Enough emotion for today. I made a cup of coffee, found a quiet spot and allowed myself a few more grateful tears.
One thing is certain, and writing makes that clearer every day. I wouldn’t trade this crazy life for anything. Not for anything!
writing for self-discovery 
Jun 10, 2014 @ 07:36:39
Kindness….such a gift. Especially when unexpected and one is vulnerable to receive it. You are surrounded by much of it every day. Hugging…..well, I could not resist hugging Sumantra on my departure after his two months of kindness. We were in the street so perhaps he is still recovering 🙂
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Jun 10, 2014 @ 17:01:40
Surrounded is right. I told my girls the story just so they would know what happened if my heart suddenly exploded. Kind of gross, but it makes the point!
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Jun 10, 2014 @ 11:58:58
I love your journey to self discovery, Sherry! You look so happy and healthy! It is wonderful to see you that way. Unexpected kindness is overwhelming and so wonderful. I fully understand what you are saying. Hugs!!
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Jun 10, 2014 @ 17:00:00
Kindness is something that triggers a strong response in me every time. The Balinese people have such a propensity for kindness that when I first arrived I was in a state of tearful wonder on a regular basis. But, as I said, this was so out-of-the-blue, and so big, that it completely unglued me.
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Jun 11, 2014 @ 01:58:43
I’m just the same – even the smallest gesture of kindness and I get all teary! Writing is so cathartic, no wonder you ended up in a puddle of tears. I am so looking forward to reading your memoir/story, you write so beautifully, Sherry.
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Jun 11, 2014 @ 02:04:27
Cathartic is right, and that especially applies to memoir. The biggest challenge is to tell the story and remember that it’s me I’m talking about!
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