It�s always the same. Hot water beating my blood back into the outer reaches of my extremities, my head hanging like a forlorn child....waiting for someone to startle me into today. Quickly it�s shaving, brushing, pampering, selecting, dressing, and finally I can face myself in the mirror...the ultimate critic. Every morning it�s the same. I successfully "become" what I am supposed to be.

I dash from my home then walk purposefully to the car. I check the image again just to be sure... It�s always the same.

And every morning for the last 11 years I have passed her without a thought...sitting perfectly straight at the bus stop.

Her skin is black as a winter's night. Her clothing is dazzling white shoes and uniform, a striking contrast I have often noticed but never really thought much about. But every morning it is the same...sitting patiently, waiting, with a hint of a knowing smile on her face, hands folded like a book in her lap. Her shoulders are squared, her head held high and she moves as if she were in slow motion as we hurried travelers pass her by. She always seems slightly amused.

This morning, as I drummed my fingers impatiently on the steering wheel I found myself taken back in time. I remembered HER....after all these years, I remembered her. On this morning I challenged myself to really see her. I realized that I had seen her age, I had seen her midnight hair turn to white, I had been witness to her joy and her sadness...but I had never really taken notice.

I had seen strong young hands turn knotty with overwork. I had seen a back straight from practice, not desire. And for the very first time I SAW her. I began to roll down my window to say a cheery hello to this lovely angel when horns began to blare. I quickly drove away, glancing back at her with a determined smile, and thought to myself, "Tomorrow I will say hello." Because it is always the same.

On the next morning my routine continued...rushing toward my life. Alarm, coffee, suitable attire and attitude. As I approached the bus stop I was excited to say hello, to have the chance to welcome her to the world and maybe, just maybe, become a part of hers.