23 - Don't Like Sharing with Strangers

I don't feel like every stranger in the world needs to know my gloomy business.  But recently I had 2 encounters that surprised me. 

This is sweet Al.  We met in an antique store, days before my surgery. We chatted casually until he suddenly began telling me his miraculous story of surviving cancer 40 years ago. He was so upbeat, that I felt comfortable telling him that I had breast cancer.  By the time I headed out the door, a small group was cheering me on. I was touched and dumbfounded.

Yesterday, I headed out of the house for the first time alone since surgery. In a shop, I spoke with a woman wearing a hijab.  She was young and beautiful and a wonderful reminder that hair isn't everything... in case I have chemo. I was in good spirits to be out and I had no intention of talking about my medical situation.  But somehow, the word surgery came into our conversation.  I saw the young woman's face drop. She so innocently asked if I was okay.  She wanted to know what was wrong.  Her eyes welled up in tears when I told her.  She reached for my hand,  "You're going to be okay."  Then she reached over and hugged me the most non-awkward hug I've ever received from a stranger and added, "I'll pray for you." We both laughed when I had to fan my eyes.  Her strong reaction could have been annoying, but her sincerity touched and surprised me.