Sitting across the hall. His eyes pierced through my skin till he got my attention. I looked back at him, then smiled. His smile lit up the hall. I walked up to him, said my name and asked for his. Then his face sunk in as he lifted his hands to describe his names in the sign language he understood and used. Immediately, I was infected by his down spirit, I was sad for him and disappointed for all the moments of loud speech I took for granted. Times I yelled just to prove a point. Times I talked behind people’s backs. Times I insulted people and used my voice in a disadvantageous way. 

I couldn’t understand him so I wrote to him. “Nice to meet you amazing human. God bless you,” as I reached out with a hug. Stunned by his positivity and his warm embrace.

I walked away knowing that there is always something to be grateful for.