Elea is a university student studying design.  Her task was to interview an old person and then design something for them.  I’m not sure how I qualified for the “old person” part but we just had a great talk.

She had a list of questions, including my childhood memories and also what changes I’ve noticed in society.  At one point, though, she closed her iPad and let go of the agenda.  That was a very cool moment. 

We just talked, about our joys and sorrows, about what’s important to us. 

I told Elea of …

My mom’s lemon pie (with bits of orange peel)

My first remembered spiritual experience, sitting under a tree for probably hours, singing the title song from Jesus Christ Superstar

The adventures of my blind students, as they felt into what the word “proactive” means

Not leaving anyone out

My recent forgetting of what I was talking about when a conversation is interrupted

Etcetera

The stereotype is that the older person teaches and the younger person learns but Elea and I flowed back and forth.  No teacher, no learner … just two people connecting.

At one point, someone we both know came by to say hi.  I had told Elea about my recent mantra “I don’t want to”, letting go of the extras in my life.  Elea asked the newcomer if she had a mantra.

The woman talked about having a recent accident, and deciding to stop singing.  But now the urge to sing is so loud that she will begin again.

It was so cool.  The connection between two expanded to three.

***

These are the moments to cherish

Exploring what is truth, beauty and goodness

Together