The “Sunshine” of Mary Lee

Waiting to cross the street, I saw her sitting on a bench outside of the coffee place we were headed for. I was semi-listening to my friends, but mostly I was watching this young woman. Her face bore a sadness of life. When the light became green I began walking toward her, not taking my eyes off of her face. She didn’t see me; all she seemed to be looking at was some internal pain I couldn’t discern. Before I entered the coffee place I asked her if she was okay. She gave me a quick answer but then showed me her friend “Julie”, who was a small green ball she held for comfort.

Having our coffee, my friends and I passed this woman again. We initially didn’t have any conversation beyond some friendly words and started to walk back to our car. Within minutes it became apparent all of us we were to go back to this woman and really talk to her.

Mary Lee was eager to share her details with us. She had so much to share I couldn’t keep up with the flow of all she poured out. She was quick to want to show us her identification as well. While she talked I was trying to hear the deeper matters of her heart.

She did not know who her father was. She’d been moved in and out of foster homes. She’d been hurt by some people somewhere in a church. She had been seriously injured in a hit and run accident where the car had dragged her for about fifty feet. Mostly she just felt people had been mean to her and made her feel unwanted and unloved. Mary Lee had a child’s heart to want so much. Her intellect was apparent, but hidden in the demeanor of a simple mind.

Looking at my friend’s faces I could see the same compassion I was feeling myself. We spoke to Mary Lee of hope and love. She mentioned how someone had called her “sunshine” at one point and clearly she was. This precious daughter of God would soon wake up to who she was. She’d have a family who loved her and she’d know the truth of the life she was meant to live.

As we readied to leave, Mary Lee kissed us upon our cheeks. A more thoughtful gift I have rarely received. Her face was no longer wearing the sadness of life but it shone with the hope above all hope. Her smile was “sunshine”.

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