jan 1, 2006

today jay and i took a drive through wilkinsburg, east liberty, and shadyside. we were stopped at a light in east liberty and i looked into the car next to us, because i always look at people in cars, and i saw the top of a girl's head: her little braids, huge eyes, and a bit of her nose. she was probably three or four years old. she looked at me, and normally when i meet someone else's eyes, i instantly turn away. but today for some reason i smiled. she smiled back and waved and i waved back. we sat there for a moment and then the light turned green. before we drove away from each other, the little girl waved goodbye and i waved goodbye, like we were old friends. tears instantly filled my eyes and i couldn't stop smiling for the next ten minutes.

a note about the photo: this is in wilkinsburg, close to where wilkinsburg turns into forest hills. if i had been quick at the draw and not a wimp i would have photographed the little girl, but alas, i am slow and gutless.