Catching Petals Before the Storm. I haven’t done a Three Things post in a long time but something happened today that inspired me.
Three Things
We have an autistic young man who lives in our neighborhood. He rides around on a foot scooter with a big green canvas bag tied to the front. He collects leaves. He stays within a few blocks and we all know him. He waves and smiles is absolutely delightful. He helped my husband rake one day. I do not know his name, which is shameful, but we call him Leaf Boy. I’m embarrassed that I don’t know his real name.
This was our conversation.
Him: “Hi!”
Me: “Hi!”
Him: “I’m going to have an Epic Leaf Party!” (The way he said this, it was capitalized, trust me.)
Me: “An Epic Leaf Party? Wow. That sounds fun.”
Him: “Yeah.” He looks up at the sky, which is threatening rain. “I’m catching petals before the storm.” He waves. “Enjoy the sunshine!”
He scooted off and left me there, stunned at the coversation.
I learned three things. I shall now bestow my wisdom.
- Everyone in my neighborhood knows this young man. If you want to cause a small riot, be mean to Leaf Boy. Men and women alike will come out of their tool sheds and their houses with pitchforks and pots and pans to defend him. He’s ours. He belongs to US. We will protect him.
- In one small, lightning fast moment, he reminded me to look at the joy, not the storm. My heart practically stopped when he said he was catching petals before the storm. It is so meaningful. So poetic.
- Inspiration comes at unexpected times from unexpected people. When you are gifted a moment like that, treasure it.
- Bonus: One day I will write a book entitled “Catching Petals Before the Storm.”
If you want to read a prior Three Things post, click here.
You’re welcome.
