My attention was drawn to an attractive, well dressed lady. She wore a white linen dress and a deep tan; her beauty seemed effortless. I sank back into my seat feeling shabby and dull.
We were sitting in a crowded departure lounge awaiting our night flight. My clothes and hair had already suffered sticky hands and spilt drinks and I had made little effort in my appearance for our trip home. However, with a sleepy child draped over each arm and another in my lap, I remembered who I was. I soon forgot about the lady and the feelings of envy she had triggered in me.
A short while later, we were called to board. Distracted for a brief moment, we failed to notice Joshua moving purposefully away from us. Our reflexes were sluggish, reflective of a fortnight in the sun. Josh was swift and focussed.
He grabbed at a chocolate bar that was being unwrapped by the lady in white. With efficiency and speed he stuffed it into his mouth. As a victory grin spread across his face, chocolate and saliva ran down his chin. His hands and clothes were quickly contaminated due to his efforts to consume the whole bar.
Desperate to minimise damage, Andy dropped our bags and ran to Josh. But it was too late; the situation had become unsalvageable. Overcome with guilt and with an attempt at an apology, Joshua had decided to embrace the lady and kiss her better.
She could have been understandably upset; her chocolate bar was smeared all over her impeccable clothes and our son’s attempts to put things right had only made matters worse. Our offer of baby wipes was wholly inadequate; our apologies insufficient.
But touchingly this beautiful lady, in her beautiful dress seemed to have a beautiful soul. With grace and kindness she made little fuss and reduced our tiny nightmare into a minor mishap. Dismissing the event with good nature and a smile, she made that moment in our lives so much easier. I applaud you Lady In White
Flower in the Rain 