Encouraging someone is a way to help heal others on our planet.
The Princess: "Hurry up, you're slow." The voice caught my ear, and I turned around. A dad stood next to the hotel elevator, talking to the same little girl I'd seen four times in the last two days. I'd guess she was about 4-years-old. Her dark curls and silvery plastic princess crown had drawn my eye each time I'd crossed her path. "Not that button, stupid," her dad said, as she pushed the up instead of the down arrows. I cringed. Each time I'd seen her, this girl's parents had spoken harshly and demeaned her value.
Angered, I wanted to tell the man to appreciate this girl—to notice she was trying to listen. Yet, I doubted that would help, and it might cause him to unleash his anger on me or, worse, on her. Wanting to offer some kindness, I smiled at the little girl and said, "I like your crown."
She looked up. Then she gave me just the faintest of smiles—her lips upturning at the edges. A ding sounded, and then she and her dad disappeared into the elevator. The doors closed.
The Pain: Even now, the pain I shared for a moment with this girl lingers.
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