A Priceless Gift

[vervain13]

This past week at work I had the privilege of providing two Japanese ladies, mother and daughter, with foot reflexology. As "Mom" could understand very little English it was left to her daughter to act as our interpreter. Accordingly, the three of us adjourned to a room in the spa where we our visit unfolded in beautiful and unexpected ways. Mari (the daughter) went first and made several comments during her session about how great it felt while Haruko (Mom) waited quietly for her turn. When Haruko got on the table, she too remarked about how excellent the care was...that I knew just the right way and areas for the best care. Mari then informed me that her mother was, among other things, a shiatsu practitioner. Now here is a woman who is, in a very real sense, my colleague...with a lot more experience than me...and going on and on about how great my care is. Talk about validating, :-). Mari and I also chatted about Don having graduated highschool in northern Japan and his experiences there and the resulting broadening of his cultural horizons including, Iron Chef...a show we watch as often as possible. At the mention of the show she lit up and said, "We LOVE Iron Chef!" Needless to say, the three of us sort of insta-bonded due to all these common threads. At the end of Haruko's session she stated that she wished to give me something. I smiled politely and waited...not really having any idea of what to expect. She dug through her purse and finally produced a beautiful antique fan with finely polished cherry wood ends which she then presented with a broad and generous smile. I was honored, grateful, and floored all in an instant. Before they left, Haruko insisted that she have her photo taken with me. Afterward, I quickly retreated back into the room where we had worked and very nearly wept with gratitude. I was SO moved by her gift of such magnanimous generosity! That was how my day began and frankly...if I had had no other appointments that day I would have been all set. Talk about blessed!