you are universal.

today, a man came into starbucks and he had on a very nice looking tie. i complemented him on said tie, saying that i liked it very much. he said thanks, and was quiet for a moment while i got him his coffee. then he said to me that the compliment on his tie was very significant and meaningful for him, as it was his son's that passed away a few weeks ago. he was wearing it today to help him remember and feel closer to his son.
when he left, i started crying. it was completely heartwrenching but it was so good to know that such a small comment could make someone feel so loved.

i've been struggling a lot lately, living here in austin. doing the same thing over and over and over and trying to make new friends that mean something and keeping my head afloat and staying out of trouble. when interactions like this happen, it reminds me that life really does mean something. that people do really mean something and that it is amazing how you can connect so completely with a stranger over something that you may not have ever experienced yourself. grief and love and all those other feelings are so universal. and it's nice to know that if nothing else, you can at least share that with the person who is sitting next to you on the bus.

anyway, totally sentimental today. sentimental a lot lately, actually. i just wanted to share this with you, whoever you are.

and this. Goodbye Horses- Q Lazzarus