Around the year 2021, I got to meet one of our new office internship students. I do remember what struck me about her was the smile. In addition, she seemed to really like me a lot. She looked me up daily to say hello with deep hugs, she gave me updates on her life and introduced me to all her friends old and new.
In 2024, I received an invitation to her graduation party. This was long after she had left the office. It came through at a time when I was extremely busy at work and running a one man show. I was looking forward to winding down over the weekend when I received the envelope.
I struggled to get out of bed. It was cold and cozy, but every time I thought of her smile, I could not imagine letting her down. Let me give this some context. So, this girl joined the office as an intern and began to sell snacks. They were tasty bananas (gonja), cassava, pancakes, samosas and occasionally chapati. My ultimate favorite was the tasty bananas (gonja). It was impossible to say no to her because she approached everyone very warmly and had an aura that drew people to her. She was kind and spoke so gently and softly.
In the week leading up to the graduation party, she rang me up, dropped by the office to remind me and eventually dropped me a pin to her parents’ house. Clearly the sun was shining on her and the message was very clearly relayed to me. I just should not miss. The odds were against me, I needed to be there at any cost.
I took a one and a half hours drive from my house, I did arrive pretty late and i walked in just as the speeches were going on. There was a large crowd of people. I found a seat just next to the gate. Slightly after I walked in, she was beckoned to give a speech. She got up and danced her way to the podium. It was a beautiful and emotional speech where she acknowledged and thanked many people. She found room for me too in there and smiled. I was so glad that I had made it.
Then there, just as I moved seats to make way for other guests to come in. it happened… this little girl who had been running around comes running right to me with her arms wide open and gives me a hug. She could have been not more than three years old. She remained snuggled in my arms, pulled back for a minute, stared right into my eyes and gave me an even deeper hug and patted me on the back. She pulled back, smiled again and ran off.
I kept in my seat in awe, I spread out my arms and looked at the palm of my hands, then turned round to look for the little angel in a mustard yellow dress. I closed my eyes and listened carefully to the sounds, hoping I could hear a little child’s voice. She was nowhere to be seen. It happened too fast. I guess that is how angels show up.
This clearly was a hug from heaven. It is the only place I know where miracles stream down from. Unexpected but so much needed🙏🙏🙏
#RawandReal#
Raw and Real 