Judging Holly Hobby

Last week I stopped into the bank to get quarters. It’s been over 35 years since I’ve needed quarters to do my laundry. I seem to have regressed regarding that phase of my life. Oh well. However - that’s not my point here….

...I was in the bank waiting in line and saw just the back of a woman who was rather “loudly” dressed.  Being in the same room with her was like being in the middle of a pink explosion!

She also wore a big-brimmed straw bonnet - reminiscent of Holly Hobby – that tied under her chin. She had a four-wheeled wire cart like those that many of San Diego’s homeless use to hold their few possessions. Her cart was full and her purse was perched on the top.

My mind drifted several directions while waiting my turn in line. I wondered why she was in the bank. Did she have an account? Did she have a place to live or was she homeless? Where on earth did she find that gaudy sweater and goofy hat?

When she finished at the window she turned around and walked toward those of us still waiting in line. She and I made immediate eye contact and we smiled at each other. I was totally unprepared to see her strikingly beautiful blue eyes and kind genuine smile. She was - in a word - Stunning! She continued past me - pushing her little cart out the door.

I got my turn with the teller and left with my quarters. I was driving through the parking lot to my next destination and saw Holly Hobby heading toward the Ralph’s grocery store. I suddenly felt compelled to get a picture of her.

She was almost in the store so the best I could do was a side view – not unlike my first glimpse of her in the bank. I’ll have to rely on my memory to see her eyes and her smile.  Maybe we'll cross paths again some day.

I thought about her often during the day as I went about my business. I also thought about my behaviour and how I had made an unkind and unfair judgment of someone based on their clothing choice.  I got a quick glimpse of her soul...her inner-beauty that transcended her bright pink sweater and Holly Hobby hat.  She didn't teach me tolerance - but I was reminded of it.

This Holly was deeply touched by another Holly that day.  Thanks Holly!