Thank GOD I Met You

New York. What can I say about that city other than it is amazing. It is a city that is a symbol of power for the United States of America so when it is in peril it seems to effect us all in one way or another. I was visiting family there this past week for one of my aunt’s birthday. If I’m honest I know my family truly planned that trip to distract my mind from being depressed about the big day that was to go down on Saturday. My sister, my mom and I were all flying out but due to Hurricane Sandy our trip was almost called off. We anticipated either our flights being cancelled or sitting in traffic for who knows how many hours because of the gas shortage. Much to our surprise most everything ran smoothly. My Titi had an amazing birthday and I got to have some bonding time with my family. Now mind you bonding time with my crazy Puertorican family has its stresses but it was good to spend time with them. It wasn’t until I was sitting in the airport bar waiting for my flight to board that I realized how monumental this trip would be. I was reading my book and sipping a beer while feeling sorry for myself. Sorry that my dream wedding wasn’t happening, annoyed that I had to sit there for three hours waiting for my plane…blah blah blah right? Just when my self pity had reached its peak this man by the name of Keith came up and asked if the seat next to me was taken. I quickly moved my purse and told him to have a seat. But before he did he apologized for possibly being smelly because he hadn’t showered in seven days. Immediately it hit me like a ton of bricks that this man was effected by hurricane Sandy. He asked the bartender for a double vodka and water which I promptly said was on me. Of course Keith objected but I was having none of that. I got to talking to him and found out that he was military and had only just moved to New York. He went on to tell me that he, his mother and sister had lost everything. All of their possessions washed away in one fell swoop. But the worst of it all was that he lost his only companion…his dog. I’m ashamed to say that I cannot remember what he said her name was. The most gut wrenching part about losing his beloved pet is the way he found out she was gone. Apparently his landlord called him and callously said that his dog was floating in his back yard. This really put a knife in my heart as I cannot imagine how that would feel if I lost my little P!nkers in such a horrific way. He must have seen the sympathy in my face as he gave me a little reassuring smile but I could see the pain behind his eyes. I showed him pictures of Pink but not before I asked him if it was alright. Keith gushed over how cute she is and said that in a way it helped him to see the pictures. My heart swelled for this man who had nothing, and had been through so much but still seemed so gracious. The military had apparenlty given him some money but he had given it a lot of it away to others in New York that needed it. Keith  was on his way to stay with some military buddies in Virginia with nothing going with him but a wounded heart and a backpack full of clothes that Fema had given him. He finished his drink and just as I was about to buy him another he politely declined and said that his flight was leaving in 20 minutes. I asked him if I could give him a hug and after a meaningful squeeze and a thank you for listening he was gone. I just sat there in amazement and guilt. I felt so awful that I was felling so sorry for myself when I am blessed with so very much. Then a miracle from God happened. Keith reappeared with a Hello Kitty wallet that he had purchased from the gift store. He told me that it was to remember him by, and that through all of his troubles I was the nicest person he had encountered. He gave me another hug and was on his way. I swear I could have broken down crying right there.  All I did was buy him a drink and listen to him. And he was spending what little money he had on a gift for me!

I will cherish this forever. And if I ever have a daughter I will give it to her and tell her Keith’s story. GOD BLESS YOU KEITH. Wherever you are I pray that you have nothing but blessing in your life from here on out!

~ Hugs and Smiles ~ R!LEY COUTURE