Thanks for looking after us today, what is your name? She smiled and said Christina.
For many years now I have taken up the habit of being "present" with people helping me or providing a service. Looking them in the eye, asking their name, about them. It is a habit I picked up from my father. He would always pay attention to his restaurant servers. It made for interesting conversation and learning.
Today was no different for me. Christina was a bright young woman who had been on the job in this restaurant for a couple of months. I was to learn she was 23 and lived at home with her mother - occasionally spending time with her father who lived in the city as well. She was full of passion and ideas. When I asked her what she wanted to do, she told me she wanted to perhaps go to university and get a degree.
Are you in real estate she asked? She noticed the pin on my lapel. I am saving to buy a condo - my mother has told me she will match any money I save to help me with my down payment.
We talked more about the benefit of home ownership, especially starting at such a young age. Christina got it and was intent on making it happen. She was living at home to save as much money as she could.
About this time, I noticed a tattoo saying on her shoulder - it was a hot day and Christina was wearing a light top.
What is that I asked and what does it mean?
"forty-seven kisses"
Christina went on to tell me the most beautiful story about her and her dad. She said each time her dad said goodbye to her, from an early age, he would throw her forty-seven kisses. forty-seven kisses were hers to take with her along her way.
I looked at her in amazement - the impact of the love from her dad and his words. The difference it had made in her life. I said to her, dad must be one incredible man. Of course she said, he is my dad.
Christina carries the reminder of her dads saying on her shoulder and will for the rest of her life. I don't think she really needed the tattoo as a reminder but I am glad she has it. Her story touched me.
It is amazing the impact of being engaged can have on ones life. I am so glad I got to talk to Christina and thankful for her forty seven kisses tattoo story.
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