Some Facts About Bringing A Little Joy Into My Life

Fact: Out every 10 people you encounter, at least 1 of them will not be a flaming dirtball.

More Fact: If you open your heart to those who are not flaming dirtballs you are almost certainly guaranteed to find some real joy in life.

Naw. Nothing factual about that data, I just made that up.

But after today I think I can quantify those statements as being somewhat true.

Besides, I had to have some opening for having encountered one of the nicest people I have met in a long time. We actually met a few months ago when she dropped her granddaughter at my house for my daughter's 16th birthday party. Oops, have to go back a little further. We actually spent a good hour on the phone chatting about 3 hours prior to the party. She was funny, thoughtful, a great talker and an even better listener. I opened up to her the way I find a lot of people open up to me. She's just nifty.

She's one of those people...the level to which I strive.

The other day she unexpectedly showed up in my kitchen after dropping my daughter off after school. I didn't even know she was in the house until my daughter came into my room to tell me they had come in.

I was mortified. Not only was there a huge pile of laundry on the floor, but then I had done quite a good job at blowing up my kitchen trying to prepare a decent lunch and dinner. That's where I found her, checking out what I had cooking on the stove which she described as: "Delicious smelling." Ha! Lean ground beef with onions, green peppers and GreatValue taco seasoning...delicious!

When I tried to explain the mess away. She responded with "That's how I do my laundry!"

When I persisted at being embarrassed, she said "I didn't come to see your house, I came to see YOU!"

Seriously. I couldn't write it any better if I were attempting that hit screenplay that has eluded me all these years, the one about uber-nice people (of course that would never sell, who wants to see a movie about nice people?) Nor could I write it to be so believable. I can actually feel this woman's kindness. Nothing even remotely underhanded or smarmy about her character.

Tonight, when I dropped off my daughter for a sleep over at her house, I came inside and found it to be neat and tidy, but certainly not perfect. Overall, her home was very warm and inviting, just like my new friend. We chatted, again, about everything under the sun. All the while her kindness continued.

I guess after a certain point in life, age just doesn't matter when it comes to connecting with others. This woman is probably old enough to be my mother (well, if she had a kid at 16 or 17), but it was so easy to forget our age difference. She never talked down to me nor did she attempt to act "cool" in hopes of being like one of our kids.

She's just one of those people. The kind I'm thankful for having met, for accepting me and apparently liking me for who I am.

We're going to go to Costco together one day soon with the girls, hit up every snack lady we can find, and buy one of those apple pies you can only get there (for her, not me.)

By the way, my new friend's name is Joy. How very appropriate. :o)