Last night I met Geri. The universe absolutely sent Geri my way. I’m not sure how else I would have ever met her and I’m not sure I’ll ever see her again, but Geri has had a great impact on me.
Geri is one of those women who are totally fulfilled. Who tell stories of the past as if it is part of the present. She has that imbedded knowledge that the past only exists as a portion of presence. She was a spritely, energetic small woman. Groovy, yet understated. Fully contained yet exuding joy and pure human interest. She was both fascinated and fascinating. She was understanding and curious but not judgmental. She was enthusiastic and interesting. I have no idea of her age, but she had retired from being a school Librarian and then returned part time – so maybe late 60’s? She mentioned a husband, but he wasn’t a vital part of the story. She was omnipresent. Gracious and gorgeous but thoroughly living. I was drawn to her with a magnetic force.
I met her at the theatre. My friend had advised me they were ill at the last minute and the show was booked out. The glorious production of ‘The Dictionary of Lost Words’ – a book I had genuinely loved and connected with. I’m confident to go by myself and it was too late to get someone else to come, but, on impulse I approached the box office on arrival and asked if anyone was looking for a ticket. Enter Geri into my life. She had been away when bookings opened and had missed out on a ticket so she had taken the chance, placed her trust in the universe and driven down from the country to the Arts Centre on the hope that a ticket might become available. Then I had appeared. Providence? Serendipity? It was meant to be. I didn’t want money, she bought me a sparkling alcohol-free champagne and we chatted profusely. She was so interesting and vibrant. We talked books and travel. Life and children. She was everything in that moment. Heidi, Syblla, Emma, Jo March – all my favourite characters came to life in this amazing woman.
She told me with categoric enthusiasm of her work at the specialist country-based school. The books she hand picked foreach year level. How she made them relevant to the children’s experiences. Of her long travels each year where she found first edition books or special artwork reproductions to bring the literature to life for the children. We talked of our deep love for Budapest and Miles Franklin.
She told stories of her career without regretting the passing years but with gratitude for her experiences and her life. She was passio nate and so alive. She pulsated excitement. I loved everything about her energy.
I was actually in the midst of a deep IBS episode and in excruciating pain, but she enthused, she mesmerised me and she inspired me. To live such a life. Surely Geri was sent by the universe to show me what was possible when you live a life true to your purpose and values.
She was magical. So magical I have to pinch myself to check it really happened, but it did. The production was magnificent and so was Geri.
Thank you, Universe. Thank you!
