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September 2016 The Unexpected Gift

September 30, 2016: The Unexpected Gift

We've all experienced it... the time when something incredible happens and we know that had there been the slightest change in events or decisions, we would not have experienced the moment.  I feel certain that my grandson and I met an Angel this week, and in an unlikely place.

Earlier this week, my daughter asked me if I could bring Brandon for a haircut after school, as my Son-in-Law wouldn't be home in time and school pictures were the next day.  Not one to miss an opportunity to be with them, the day's schedule was altered and I drove to their home.  Jacki messaged me during the trip, but after a time when I didn't respond, she called with the news that while all the kids were waiting to see me, Len was home and could take Brandon.  Also, the Barber Shop they intended to use was closed, so it would be another barber a bit farther away.  Arriving at their home, we decided I would still take him and was given the directions to the shop, which apparently was not easy to find.

We found the Barber Shop located in the back of a mall; there were no other store fronts in that part of the building.  While waiting, I joined in a conversation with the barber and another customer whose son was getting his hair cut.  I mentioned meditation and the barber relayed a wonderful story about a school replacing punishment with meditation and the results were astonishing.  During this conversation another (older) barber walked in the door, brought his packages to the back of the shop and came back out to cut Brandon's hair.  Shortly, the other child's haircut was finished and within minutes of each other, the father and son, then the other barber left the shop.

Moments later, the barber mentioned that he heard us talking about meditation when he came in.  He tells Brandon and I the story of how a very long time ago, he was befriended by someone from a (wellness center) who introduced him to meditation.  He quickly connected to the practice, and after a time, amazing things began to happen.  Suddenly he put the scissors down, went to the back of the shop, and returned with what appeared to be an old hardcover book.  Handing it to me, he told me it was ok to look inside.  As I sat initially just holding the book, a feeling of peacefulness came over me; the edges were frayed and worn, but I knew that this was something very special he was willing to share with us.  I was stunned by what I read on the pages, beautiful handwritten poem, after beautiful poem!  I began reading them aloud to Brandon, explaining to him that these were poems to God; Brandon loved each one.  The barber then explained that when he meditates the words just flow from him and he writes on whatever is handy.  That was why there were many slips of paper tucked within the journal.  I asked if he ever thought of publishing them; no, he replied, they were for his children to have when he is gone.  As I continued to read, he spoke to Brandon of how he learned that even though people don't always understand some of these things he talks to them about, it is very important that he, that we all, be true to who we are; meditation helped him connect to that.

I continued to read through the journal.  Throughout there were drawings by his daughter when she was young and she also wrote sweet notes to her Dad.  In between his conversation with Brandon, I'd stand by them and read the poems, as if they were a guided meditation; the barber was moved hearing them that way.  At that point I asked if I could share some of them in the Reiki practice and was thrilled when he said yes; the only condition was that I not use his name.  Honoring that, I can't share the synchronicity of his name, but there is one!

Not all the poems were titled...

Put me in touch with my heart
In touch with the love
Help me feel You in everything
You're my goal to feel that love all the time
Like cool air all around me
Like clouds that move
You're that love
That feeling, that thought of everlasting peace
That's always in our hearts and will always be
Things around us change
But one thing never will
Like the wind that blows the clouds.

Anonymous

On a day that at any point could have been different, Brandon and I met a complete stranger who shared his deepest feelings with us - his poems to God.  We walked into a Barber Shop expecting just a haircut... and we left with a gift.

The Gift
To be able to see,
to hear,
to feel,
to smell,
to breathe,
to reason,
to talk,
to cry,
to love.
Without it, none of this is possible.  

Anonymous