Learn Something...

All too often, when we see a white face in the "hood," we become a little leery -- especially if they don't look hood or we don't know them or they aren't with some reputable hood-ies.  So, the white boy approaching me seemed oddly out of place but as I made a mental note to speak to him and maybe strike up a neighborly conversation, something happened.

MUD.  Yep, the three letter word that ruins shoes and pantyhose, deflates egos and makes it hard to make eye contact.  What happened you ask?  

I was making my way down the street to my home, dodging puddles left by the rain, when I decided to hop the curb.  I'm not positive but I think the combination of my momentum, the packages I was carrying, the slamming wedges I was wearing and the thick softness of the mud literally suckling my soles until I lost my balance and gave in to gravity.  Yes, I fell.  In front of a total stranger...a white boy...in the hood.  Who does that?

But, I got up -- imagine the Donnie McClurkin song playing here.  Not to be daunted, the mud grasped me once again and in my moment of shame, I realize he's asking if I need help.  I quickly respond - yes, please.  We both brace ourselves for a moment, some apprehensive giggles escape but ultimately he pulls me to my feet and makes sure I'm stable before continuing on his way.  I thank him profusely, positive that my face -- if not for the melanin -- would be purple from embarrassment.  I'm a dirty, heavy breathing mess by the time I get inside but I'm laughing.  Nothing is bruised besides my ego -- I mean, what grown woman wants to fall down in the middle of her own street between her car and her home?  Can it get any more outrageous?!

Yeah, I know...it could be worse.  But I'm not worried about worse right now.  I'm worried about right now.  And right now, I've been embarrassed in front of a total stranger.  I'll never work up the nerve to talk to him again...oh who am I kidding?  That will be my ice breaker lol.   But seriously though, I'm grateful that he was on that street.  As I wonder what his name was, I can't help but feel that he was my angel for today.

I'm quick to say that every experience is an opportunity to learn something.  And this one is no different.  Some folks just pass by to make your life better.  Enjoy the moment, write about it, share it, recall it when necessary.  It's the little things.

Now, I have to Google how to get mud off of my shoes...