Young, old and in-between.  They joined me today for breakfast at Lloyd Coffee Eatery.  Actually, I was simply sitting at the table beside them.

They were probably twelve human beings, and came into the restaurant in little groups, kissing cheeks in greeting.

Soon I could feel the glow … eyes easy with each other, the occasional touch, the rising and falling of voices happy to be together on vacation.

As my food arrived, the grey-haired man nearest me turned with a smile to say “Bon appétit!”  Lovely.  Somehow being included in the warmth.

As I breathed in the flow of connection nearby, I knew that I had to say something.  I tapped the fellow on the shoulder.  He met my eyes.  I spoke …

Tu as une grande famille, et une famille magnifique.  Je peux voir ça dans les visages de ta famille.

(You have a large family, and a magnificent one.  I can see that in the faces of your family.)

He smiled

I smiled

All was right with the world