Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad
On Sunday, I was looking at the posts in a Facebook group I’m part of for people who grew up in the Bronx. Many were highly recommending the movie, “In the Heights.” Then someone posted a photo of his tv with the movie on the screen. It was a shot of the rally scene. He asked me if that was me in it. It was! It was a background role, but I was positioned next to an actor with lines, so I was clearly seen. This was filmed before the pandemic. (I haven’t dared go into crowds since the virus.) I haven’t seen the movie yet, but I intend to. What really struck me is that the person who recognized me only knows me through that Facebook group. We never met in person.
I messaged him to thank him for the photo and to let him know I was surprised he recognized me since we only know each other on Facebook. He wrote back:
Bella mujer, I've admired you for a long time. It’s an honor. I would have put a better picture of you but I needed your permission. But yes, I spotted that beautiful face in the crowd. BTW I hate musicals except West Side Story and now this wonderful movie. Have a blessed day.
Later that night, I went to the 24-hour store to get chips and a few loose cigarettes. The night cook made a big point of saying hello. He’s not one of the cooks I am too familiar with, so I was a bit surprised but I responded. Then he asked about my dog and then acknowledged that my dog must have passed by now. I was very surprised. He said he saw me every morning walking the dog when he was going to school. I asked if he lived in my building. He said no, but that he lived on my block. He said he’s seen me every day since he was about twelve. I was wide-eyed. I had no idea. He is a grown man now. I said, “So you knew me when I was skinny. Look at me now,” and I grabbed some blubber from my middle. He said, “I don’t know what you are talking about.” I was impressed, and I cracked up laughing. He’s young; many older men wouldn’t have responded that intelligently. He spoke of my dog being calm, not barking at everyone, and looking like Lassie. I just wanted to hug him. Instead, I thanked him for telling me all that and told him that it made me feel good.
Wow! I started to feel the world was telling me to come back and join the living.
On my way home, a drunk man said, “Hello Mami.” I didn’t recognize him, but I certainly noticed him aiming right at me while asking me, “Where are you going?” I went to the other side of the sidewalk and walked around him. He was about my height but much broader. He was drunk enough that I felt I could push him, and he’d fall. So I was not frightened as much as surprised.
Three surprises in one day; two out of three felt great.
Love always to CGG-M ❤❤❤
Mindy Matijasevic, June 2021
