The Kindness of Strangers...

Correspondence with the neighbor, Julia, down the hall has been rekindled.
Last night I left two Dar Williams CDs, a bunch of fresh lavender (from my organic farmer buddy), and a note thanking her for her thoughts during my darker days. I also (finally) returned her CD.

I wasn't sure if she still lived there as the turnover in this building is fairly high, but I really wanted her to know that I appreciated her quiet kindness.

I was delighted this evening when I found a note and a small tube of lavender aroma therapy lotion waiting by my door. It read:

C,
Thank you so much for the flowers--lavender is my favorite! I am looking forward to listening to your music too. Finding a friend in a stranger has given me a new perspective on life. This past month has been very stressful for me. Now that the semester is over with and I have finished all my exams and final projects, I have time to reflect. Seeing the flowers and your warm letter had made me realize its all over now and it is time to celebrate. Thank you for your kind thoughts.
-Julia
PS I hope you like this lotion, it's one of my favorites.

More often than not, I'm so cynical about other people (and myself)--I'm saving these notes to convince me otherwise.