Surprise blessings

I decided to visit a friend who I only know from church. She just had heart surgery and the word was out that she was home and taking visitors. So, I hopped on my bike and ran over to the local Jolley's drugstore to buy a treat and a flower pot (on sale). Then bike over to the local Twigs flower shop to have the owner arrange a double pink lily in the flowerpot. Then up to my friend to visit. The weather is perfect just after spring rain. Greg is working from home and the kids were left with instructions to finish doing the dishes while I was gone. I was totally caught off guard with her reply when I inquired of my friend who were her neighbors. She said that her neighbors were two gay guys. The guys have been together for a little over 20 years. They have always called them 'the girls'. I asked if she had told them about that and she and her daughter laughed and said 'oh no'. Both guys lived there until two weeks ago when one of them died from heart failure when he was on a trip to Egypt with his father. After expressing their sadness for their neighbors loss, they went on to say that the corner house next to them just sold to another gay couple. I was pleased to talk of such wonderful things, and my friend asked, 'Are there alot of gays in Sugarhouse?' That made me smile. She also said that her hairdresser is gay. I feel so happy to be part of open discussions of gays. This is the subject history has presented to us (as Carol Lynn Pearson puts it) and I have to say I am always pleasantly surprised to find the opportunities are abundant. I so want to be part of these changes for love and inclusion. I went away from our visit blessed to hear the thoughts of acceptance, love and compassion that this family expressed for their neighbors.

It just surprises me to hear the feelings and stories embedded in the hearts of people. I really feel something truly special is happening.