The sun was out properly - for the first time this year, like it meant business. After such a long absence it seemed tentative at first, gaining confidence as the morning progressed. At the bus stop, conversation with an old acquaintance inevitably turned to the weather as we delighted in the unexpected warmth of sunshine on our faces, exclaimed at the first sightings of crocuses and snowdrops and expressed relief as dark days began to transform into light. On the bus, we turned to deeper matters – loss, friendships and the small courageous steps in forging a life with continued meaning. We parted, wishing each other well as I continued on to the next bus stop, the one that would finally take me home. I struck up conversation with a woman who told me she was having cancer treatment the next day. She expressed her delight at the crocuses and thanked the driver profusely as she boarded with her walker. At our stop, we parted, wishing each other well. I was so struck by the cheerfulness of these chance encounters, how good it felt to share our appreciation of simple things and to wish each other well. It reminded me that we always have a choice as to where we place our attention, what we choose to focus on and the heart-warming effect of small interactions and winter sunshine.
