CONSIDER THIS: How Total Strangers Inspire Me to Love

By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Managing Editor
editor@sbnewspaper.com

Michael Rodriguez

While on my way to work Monday morning, I saw a man and a woman embracing. There was nothing about it that was particularly interesting or extraordinary, in case you were wondering if this was somehow going to turn into a metaphor for what’s currently transpiring in local politics. He was simply holding the woman close to him, rubbing her shoulder as if to console.

Based on their body language and what I could gather from reading the man’s lips, it appeared as though he was preparing her for work or maybe school. I can spot anxiety in someone from a mile away, and she was definitely nervous about something.

Through my rearview, the last thing I saw was the man kissing the woman on her forehead. She then walked across the street and onto the grounds of a neighboring elementary school.

Before I continue, however, I feel compelled to explain a habit of mine in which I tend to narrate people’s conversations if I’m not in a position to eavesdrop (I’m a skilled eavesdropper), so consider that what I’m sharing with you now was based solely on what I could see from my vehicle and in only a few seconds time. Still, you must be wondering why I’m even telling you this.

Simply put, it was a touching display between two people who obviously care about each other. There’s nothing more beautiful, in my mind, than reassuring someone you love that “everything’s going to be okay,” as this man did for this woman.

Over the last year or so, my family has experienced great loss, and during those difficult times I often found myself being the comforter. It’s a role I wasn’t too familiar with since I never know what to say to people when they’ve lost someone dear to them. As I’ve expressed in this space before, now I know that sometimes all you need to do is be there for that person.

So as I was witnessing the aforementioned people sharing a beautiful moment in their lives, I envisioned myself doing the same for my loved ones. After all, I don’t know what I’d do or where I’d be without them.

Later that morning, we at the News were tasked with covering the stabbing death of 19-year-old Angel Perez of San Benito. As our lead reporter was handling the criminal aspect of the story, I covered the family’s reaction.

Walking through the neighborhood where the victim lived, I saw several people wandering the streets with tears in their eyes; and at the victim’s home, family members stood in shock.

Unless you’ve experienced such tragedy, the amount of grief this family is currently enduring, not to mention during what’s supposed to be a joyous time, is immeasurable.

Throughout the day, I was also receiving texts and phone calls from the people closest to me. Though it’s nothing particularly interesting or extraordinary, hearing “I love you” and “I’m praying that you have a good day” goes a long way when you’re reminded of the unimaginable remorse and sorrow that can befall you at any minute.

I can’t imagine a better time to be grateful for what we have than during the Thanksgiving holiday. And while I didn’t intend to cram another one of my columns down your throat two editions straight (I usually try to print them once a week), I felt the need to share this with you.

I don’t know what any of you will be doing on Thursday, besides eating turkey, watching football or going out later that night to get an early start on your Christmas shopping. But whatever you do or wherever you’ll be, do not get lost in the commercialization of the holidays. Instead, I suggest quietly observing those around you, be it at a convenience store, on a street corner, at church or while in line to pay for your groceries, to be inspired by the consideration and care people display for each other. It takes place every day, you’ve just got to stop and look.

Read this story in the Nov. 21 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.