PINZ

Dear Simone,

I witnessed a few wholesome moments yesterday. Made me smile.

The first, there was a new group of kids playing in front of my building. I thought it was odd since most of the kids on my block are Hispanic and don’t speak English. I heard perfect English and looked out the window. They must be from a block or two down the street. And I thought How cute, kids just want to play.

Secondly, while those kids were playing outside, a commercial truck parked in front. The kids were so excited. I think maybe they haven’t seen one this close before. That and being in a small neighborhood, is rare. The kids asked the driver to honk the horn a few times and he did. The kids began to cheer. They were so excited.

Later on after work, JN had a bowling birthday party to attend. I was tired but made it a priority to make it on time. JN and her two friends are inseparable. Most of the people that showed up were adults. Everyone coming from work. I thought it was cute. I haven’t experienced that too many times. Maybe one cousin was about 9 years old. The others were all under 5 years old, throwing tantrums. But the fact that all of these adults showed up for the birthday girl, knowing its the middle of the weekday and everyone still has to go to work the next day. I don’t get or have that type of “sacrifice” in my life. Everything is based on the convenience of others. I kept wondering if they could tell I was hungry or that there’s no food at home.

JN was worried about me and kept feeling bad about me sitting alone but I was fine. I thought it was sweet. I had my ear buds in, listening to my CIA book, and I kept getting interrupted by the other adults wanting to mingle. I realized I was a bit awkward, but I didn’t care. JN had fun and that’s all that matters.