Baldly Forward

I’m thinking today about the word, “welcome.” I’ve said it and heard it countless times throughout my life. On roadtrips, I’ve seen it on signs while entering a new state. It’s commonly on doormats when I visit people’s homes. But today the word has deeper meaning to me.

We live in a country where WELCOME is often said and written but not fully expressed. I don’t write political blog posts. That’s not what this is. I do, however, write about the human experience. But I’ll never share the dark side of that experience without providing some light.

Today’s light comes in the form of a recent experience I had where I was made to feel welcomed.

Speaking in Smiles, High Fives, and Fist Bumps

A few months back I was walking in a neighborhood that connects with ours. It’s a great place to walk with nice sidewalks, well-manicured yards, and a general quietness. On this day, I made my way up one of the streets to find two small children standing in a driveway with tiny suitcases. The little girl was maybe 4 years old and the boy was probably a few years older than her.

The girl was already talking with others out on their evening walks, and those walkers were starting to say goodbye to her. As I passed, I waved and said hello. But oh no — that wasn’t going to be enough for her. She called for me to come back, so I did. It was impossible to refuse this little girl. She was precious and radiated joy! 

She had an accent that I was unfamiliar with, but she had a pretty good grasp on English. I believe she’s from Nepal. I could be wrong, but my tip was the hat an adult at that house was wearing. I looked it up. The hats worn by men in Nepal are called Dhaka topis. They look like this:

Anyhow, my inability to speak her language didn’t keep us from connecting. We both spoke in smiles. She insisted repeatedly that I high five the doll she was holding. She held its little hand up over and over, so I kept high fiving.

After a few high fives, she was trying to direct me to do something else. She was using a word I didn’t understand, but she was patient with me, and we figured it out. She now wanted me to fist bump her doll! I did — multiple times. She was giggling and having a blast right there in the driveway with me — a stranger.

As much as I would have loved to keep this child’s laughter going by fist bumping her doll a while longer, it was time for me to go.

Just before I said goodbye, she asked with great enthusiasm, “Are you having fun?!” I said, “Yes, I am having fun! Are you?” Of course, she replied with a yes, and then we said goodbye. I haven’t see her since.

A Sign from the Universe

Then just the other day, I was taking a walk past the same house. There was now a swing in a tree in the front yard and a small sign near it that said, “Welcome.” Indeed, that is exactly how I felt in her presence and how I hope I make others feel.

As I paused by the tree to take a photo, I was moved by the sign and my memory of the child’s welcoming spirit. All I could think in that moment is how I hoped with all my heart that this country is as kind and welcoming to her as she was to me.