Unlikely animal friend combinations are one of my favorite things. I love scrolling through Facebook or other forms of social media and seeing pictures of an innocent rabbit curled up next to a fox or a kitten snuggling a puppy. These two creatures who by every means are different or are supposed to be natural enemies are able to come together, if not only for a photo. They are able to break through barriers of social norms, language, race (or in this case species) and culture. They are proof that love does not conform to the same rules and restrictions that people often fall into. What a beautiful thing that love transcends all obstacles.
Señora Flores and I are an unusual friend combination.
Señora Flores is a kind elderly woman who was my neighbor last month in the Dominican.
One day I was walking back to the beautiful mountain oasis my squad and I have had the privilege of living at this past month with my friend Meredith. As we walked down the hill towards the driveway, I was struck by the sight of beautiful calla lilies. Calla lilies always make me think of my sweet grandma Mingay. I was shocked that I had not noticed them before, we were already a few days into our time on the mountain. Mere and I stood marveling at them when a sweet woman appeared from the house. Without hesitation she invited us onto her front porch. We were slow to agree as we were covered in mud and did not want to get it all over her clean porch.
With her relentless prompting we stepped up onto her porch and sat with her. Despite taking Spanish for five years I speak a very small amount, Señora Flores knows no English at all. We sat there and attempted to have a conversation, but it was mostly us smiling at each other. She insisted on making us coffee, which honestly we were very quick to agree to (something I learned quickly on the race is to take advantage of every opportunity you have to have coffee). Her coffee was almost as sweet as her smile. After finishing our cups and attempting to speak to her for a few more minutes we said our goodbyes and left. I was excited to have the chance to visit with her, but had no idea of what this encounter would lead to.
Throughout the rest of my time in the Dominican anytime that I walked past Señora Flores’s house she called to me and invited me onto her porch. Sometimes I was lucky enough to be walking with a few of my squad mates. I loved when people were with me, because I know how happy it made Señora Flores when she got to meet my friends. Every time, even at eight in the evening, she was quick to offer to make me a cup of coffee. Some of my visits happened by random chance and others were been planned. I loved walking up the hill to the street, looking to the right whenever I got to the house with beautiful calla lillis and calling to my friend.
Señora Flores and I are an unusual friend combination. Not in the same sense that a fox and a rabbit are, we are not enemies by nature. Still, we have vast differences. Señora Flores is a kind elderly woman who lives on a mountain in the Dominican Republic and raises chickens. She lives a simple life in a rural area. Her calloused hands show that she is a hard worker and her kind eyes show that she has seen great joys and great pains. I am a young woman from America. I have very little life experience compared to my friend. I was born with privileges and opportunities this sweet woman will only ever dream of. We speak different languages and have lived very different lives.
In spite of all of our differences or our communication barrier, Señora Flores has become a dear friend. I miss afternoons spent on her porch, surrounded by her beautiful flowers. She has taught me so much without even saying a word. The beauty of hospitality by taking in a dirty stranger that first day. The joy of generosity as she so eagerly made coffee for me and my squad mates. The importance of just being present, that the act of showing up and sitting with someone matters. Most importantly, she further reinforced the simple truth that love knows no language. Señora Flores reminded me often that she will always be my friend and told me several times she hopes I am able to come back another year. I am confident that if I do ever come back to this mountain she will be waiting in her home that is surrounded by calla lillies ready to make me a fresh cup of coffee and simply be present.
All my love,
Bekah
