November 14, 2015
Sometimes the headlines make me wonder: Is there any hope for us?
Francesco and his mother dropped into my world by chance today to remind me that great big hearts outnumber the evil ones.
I went into their shop to ask if I could photograph their bright bananas and sacks of potatoes hanging on outdoor walls. Sure, says Francesco. And just like that he strolls out with a classical guitar and breaks into song–some old Sicilian ballad. And out comes his mother, seduced by the sound, yanking off her apron.
She joins in with her beautiful soprano.
I go on my way when the song ends. A block later I hear: SIGNORA!!!! It’s Francesco, gesturing me back. He gives me two slices of Sicilian cotognata, a sticky-fruity autumn candy, and his huge smile.
This pair sweetened my day, my life. A small kindness bestowed by chance–casualmente, as Italians say–can change the world.
Commit random acts of love. Right where you live.
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