Lucy is a native here on the islands in Panama. I spent the afternoon chatting with her about the culture and history of this place. She is a wealth of information and was an pleasure to be with. In fact, she even invited me to Christmas dinner, which involves eating at every house on the street.
But of all the lovely things Lucy said to me, the one that really hit home was this simple phrase.
Your neighbors are your closest family.
Seems simple enough. So why did it hit me in such a powerful way?
I think because in these years of traipsing around Central America, I have taken many neighbors into my heart. and I have need the help of many neighbors too.
It is such a good feeling when you look at someone you hardly know and find compassion. Eyes that have never met yours in concentrated focus before connect with something deep inside you briefly and you see humanity.
So I guess this is part of my journey. Discovering humanity. Feeling (I was going to use the word understanding, but I think this is deeper than the mind) that we are all connected--and the person next door, or in the street, or at the table next to you in a little rice and beans joint, is family.
Thanks Lucy, and by the way, I think I will take you up on that Christmas dinner.
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