People and moments

Life is about people and moments, isn't it? When it really comes down to it, aren't those the two things that matter. "Life is not measured by how many breaths you take, but by how many moments leave you breathless." Relationships and brethless moments... A moment is a deceptive concept. There are moments that last a second and seem like a lifetime. And there are liftimes that seem to pass in a second. Or a lunch that touches you in a way you could have never imagined, and now are unlikely to ever forget. My middle daughter had such a lunch, and such a moment. Let me tell you about it.

We were standing in line at a great restaraunt called Jestine's in Charleston, SC. There was an older than us couple standing just behind us. The woman had silver earrings with a larger shiney stone in them. Gavi commented on how beautiful they were. But let me segway about Gav for a second. My bride often says that a strange to Gavi is simply a friend she's yet to meet. Something connected between these two and they became instant friends. All the girls were engaged, but this was Gavrielle's moment. They talked..."you look about 36 she said." The woman gushed with approval at a childs inexperience with age! Soon, we were called to sit. We ordered, and then Gav colored a picture. It had to be perfect. Brown skin, blue shirt, the hair. She did a great job for an 8 year old. We delivered the masterpiece and sat back down. I watched her look at the crayonwork for a full minute...putting it down, picking it back up. I found it wonderful to watch the moment unfold. Though I don't know what was going on in her heart, my daughter had somehow filled a need. Isn't God cool!

The meal was southern and wonderful. Peanut butter with bananna for the girls (yuck!). Fried chicken, okra and sweet tea for me - Wow! The chicken was about the size of a small turkey. Corn fritters for the ladies (my wife and my mom). A charming hostess, a playfully sarcastic other waitress so much fun to watch. And ours was the posterwoman for good southern hospitality.

The woman came back to have Gavrielle sign her portrait. And then we returned to request a photo op. Out came the cameras and the smiles and the hugs. We exchanged e-mails and promised to exchange photos. And then as quickly as it started, with a wave out the window, the moment ended. They didn't share age, or friends, or a city, or even a skin color. But they shared something at the heart...and a love for beatiful earrings (now Gavi's most prized possession - she hasn't yet taken them off!). As for the woman, she summed it up well also, "Of all the souveniers I've bought on this trip, I will treasure this picture the most."

Magic happens in moments...and in places like Jestines. I have the photos to prove it.