This is the story of Leilani.
She was one of many to approach the food van looking for a feed. This is how our paths crossed. Volunteering to feed the most needy in this community.
Her presence caught my attention, not because she was out of place in this particularly harsh environment where she resides. Government provided housing can destroy a precious soul due to its necessity to survive but not necessarily thrive. But her presence and demeanor –
She had enough confidence to fill a room. Striding to the van like she was the star of her own show. I have no idea where she got her self belief from? but it was there to be witnessed. Quiet but assuring.
“Hello love, my name is Leilani. Do you know what my name means? Beautiful woman”
She beamed confidently, with all of her top front teeth missing. Her lack of teeth did not stop her, what would otherwise be embarrassing to many of us.
The lines on her face told a story. One of heartbreak, hardship and disappointment/s. Each wrinkle takes its place in her history and marks a story about her life. Somehow, she finds the courage (whether she realises this or not) to put one foot in front of another and smile. Even though the circumstances may not warrant it.
Life on this block (to me) as an outsider feels like groundhog day. Seconds, minutes, hours and days melting into each other like some slow motion film. Existing for the next minute, without a clear goal in mind.
But gauging from her body language and disposition, today must’ve been a better day. She came, collected her food, sat down in front of the building with another resident. Looking out onto the world without (what seems) like a care in the world. But that is making many assumptions on my part.
Leilani, the beautiful top toothless lady who possessed the confidence of a world leader, is watching her world slowly pass by, in front of her very eyes.
I am sure, even someone like her has a dream despite her plight. Dreams possess all of us, irrespective of our social standings in life.
Leilani possesses courage that (I think) she doesn’t even know she has, and the ability to display hope in the midst of thistles.
A ruminating Heart 