I’m outside the automated door, arms filled to the brims, time nipping at my heels. Mary June sees me as she often does, rides up in her motorized scooter to push the door button for me. The sight of her reminds me of the wonder of people. Her threadbare shirts, missing teeth, these things do not diminish her zest to love, to help, to console those around her. She doesn’t seem to know that somehow things have changed now, that her world may be bent more so by callous leaders who mock the handicapped, the poor, the less privileged. Mary June seems oblivious of people who throw their right arms into the air, hate seeping from the pores of their skin. “How you doin’?” she asks me as she adjusts the front of her red ball cap. I smile and tell I’m fine, tell her the day is glorious outside, that the sunshine awaits her beyond the door, and that the daisy bushes are still in bloom.
Mary June – Character Sketch
Published inpoetry
Inspirational! Poignant and beautiful!
Thank you very much!
Beautiful and sad, Lana. Life is going to be much harder for the disenfranchised in the coming years. We’re going to have to try harder to fill the gaps with love.
You are so right, Diana…thank you so much.
I got caught up on not knowing if they were inside or outside Lana – but aside from that I liked the resiliency of Mary June. I hope your society does not take a backward step, but rather sees this time as a chance to step up and forwards……
I surely hope the same. I do also admire the resiliency of such people.
Lana, as long as there are people like you there is hope.
Oh Bernadette, thank you. I believe you are also one of those people 😀
Lovely and hopeful! Mary June reminds me of a young woman who has worked for HEB for years, wears a red ball cap and is always helpful and smiling. I remember one time she escorted my older sister to a seat when she started feeling a little weak as we were grocery shopping. We can pass that one and not let some of the ones in power diminish our lives and speak up whenever we can and should.
Jo, you are right, we can’t let these people label us and diminish our lives. Truly precious people are everywhere. ..I’m glad to know a few.
How great is Mary June! She and her kind are what keeps the world spinning round. Empathy and love make you richer than anyone. A wonderful character sketch, LT, thank you. 🙂
They surely do, Phil. Empathy and love is what it’s all about. Thanks, Phil.
Being hopeful that the new year will prove to be a positive difference for everyone.
That’s true, it’s a brand new year, full of hope 😀
I feel like I know this lady, or someone just like her. Ever notice it’s the people closest to the bottom of the heap that are most willing to help, using whatever resources they have available? Well done. 🙂
That’s exactly it, Joan. Those that have the least seem to have the biggest hearts. Thank you. xo
You just cannot judge anyone by their appearance. Those with the least have the most to give to others who may be better off but have not learned how to share. Great blog.
That is so true. Thanks so much for reading and for the lovely compliment.
Lana, you’re such a sympathetic lady, no wonder your writing is so poignant! Great characterization here — will May June be part of an upcoming novel or short story, by any chance??
I guess I am a bit sympathetic, Debbie :-D. Probably most of us writerly types are. I’m not sure I will do more with her, but she is in my notebook now so it is entirely possible.
a simple tale, full of feelings. really nice.
Thanks so much for reading and for the gracious compliment 😀
smile
😀
Lana, just got your book in the mail a few days ago. Thank You!!!
Very welcome, Jennie. I hope you and the kids enjoy it 😀
We will, for sure! 😀