Blessing at my door

It was an easy going Friday and I was working from home. My wife’s workplace was less that 10 minutes from home and that’s where her Friday was unfolding. I finished a simple lunch of rice and some chicken stew and was putting away the dishes and cleaning up. The aroma of the rich spices that embodied the chicken stew was lingering in the air evoking a sense of gratitude to the Universe for the day’s meal.

Ring! The door bell went. I wasn’t expecting anyone. Perhaps it’s a delivery by UPS of FedEx. I opened the door.

A little girl was standing at my door. She was in her private school uniform, a well pressed short-sleeved white shirt neatly tucked into a red and black plaid pleated skirt. Her black hair was neatly pleated showing her beautiful childish visage. Her eyes were bright and radiated joy. She must have been about 5 to 6 years old. Standing at the door, the little girl swayed her body in a very playful manner.

She flashed the most beautiful smile and said, “Hello. Would like to buy some girl Scout cookies?” Her voice was sweet and melodic and, with her kind manner, the gentle person that she was came alive.

Standing behind her about 10 feet away was an elderly woman whom I immediately guessed was her grandmother. Grandma seemed to be giving her granddaughter the room and the chance to learn the art of selling Girl Scout cookies. Her warm smile displayed the pride and love she held for her sweet granddaughter.

“Sure. I’d love to buy some of your cookies” I said. “Come on in please”. I invited them both into my home; they stepped in.

I lowered myself so I was directly facing the little girl. “My name is Ramesh. What’s yours?” I asked the little girl.

“Blessing” she said and smiled with a sparkle in her eyes.

That was the most beautiful name I had heard in a long time. “Blessing”. The little girl evoked tremendous joy my heart the moment I saw her and with the name “Blessing”, I felt as though my home was being blessed by her very presence.

Little Blessing was hand me the order form and went on to guide me through the shopping process.

“Check what cookies you want to buy and the how many. Then you add up the cost”. Blessing meant business.

It was the time for me to make some important decisions between the refreshing Lemonades shortbread cookies topped with a tangy lemon-flavored icing and the Samoas crisp cookies with caramel, coconut, and chocolaty stripes and a few more temptations on the order form.

My golden retriever, Laddu, sensed the human interactions in the foyer and emerged from her deep afternoon nap. She was so excited to see Blessing. And Blessing was so excited to see her. They approached each other like they knew each other and missed each other.

“What’s her name? She’s so cute.” said Blessing petting the eager and loving retriever.

“Laddu” I said.

“Laddu is the name of a sweet in India” I said.

“Laddu? That’s so cool!” said Blessing petting Laddu’s soft hair.

The love in my home was so real. It felt divine. Grandma was quietly observing and enjoying everything with a smile on her face.

I quickly made my choices. A couple of Lemonades and a couple of Samoas. I fille out the order form, totaled the cost and handed it to Blessing.

“Thank you” said Blessing. “I will drop off the cookies in a couple of weeks. You can pay me then. Cash or check.” I saw budding sales professional in front of me.

We exchanged smiles said goodbye to each other. Blessing and her grandma left, off to their next customer.

I stood there with Laddu next to me. I took a minute to take in the wonder of Blessing at my door. Her presence lifted me to experience deep joy. Those 15 minutes with Blessing transported me to the most happy and scared space. A deep sense of gratitude engulfed me for having Blessing at my door and to experience the pure innocence and love of a child in the most unexpected way. The little girl was truly an angel who brought a miraculous moment into my life that afternoon. I couldn’t wait to share this beautiful experience with my wife.

I was so excited to tell all about Blessing to my wife later that day. “I am going to name our granddaughter “Blessing” I told her, petting Laddu who must have been as awestruck as I was. We both laughed as my good vibes got to her as well.