A year or so ago
I was in the hospital in Amsterdam with 2 friends, because 1 of them was suddenly admitted. Fortunately, everything ended well and he was allowed to go home soon. On the day of discharge, me and my friend picked him up. Of course we were with him in the ZH in time, to help with packing and to listen carefully to the advice that his doctor gave.
Then the three of us quietly walked downstairs to wait for the taxi in the central hall.
Of course we weren't the only ones waiting in that hall. The mood and atmosphere were felt in the hall. Where one looked gloomy ahead, the other looked relieved and happy. The three of us sat there cheerful, jolly and probably a little bit noisy.
Among those waiting was an elderly lady. A very charming appearance and she radiated a certain peace, joy of life and life experience. I couldn't help but be aware that I was watching her with fascination and attention. He has a lot to say was my conclusion. Of course I didn't look at her all the time, that goes against all the rules of my upbringing. But this beautiful lady in age, glance now and then .... Yes, I did and I certainly will not deny.
It is also inevitable that the moment came when our eyes met. I spontaneously gave her a warm friendly smile and said good morning. She looked back kindly and said good morning. Before I knew it I was talking to, I call her "The Lady". It soon turned out that she was in for a chat, because she told me and my 2 friends, full of enthusiasm about the beautiful trips she had made and still wants to make.
Yes, exactly as she radiated. Full of joy, life experience & life wisdom. She talked about her husband, whom she had lost years ago. How difficult she had it with that, but still picked up the thread again. How she had traveled the world with him and how she had finally started doing it on her own. She was still full of plans, still wanted to see, discover and enjoy and learn about the various cultures.
She cheerfully told about diverse and diverse encounters with people. That she really thought that was the best thing about traveling. Those encounters and the stories and experiences of people.
I hung on her every word, listened attentively and laughed when she told another funny anecdote.
I almost forgot that we were in the hospital hall and I didn't have time to look at the clock either. Until we were briefly interrupted by a taxi driver, who came to pick up 1 of the visitors. It was as if I had been on a journey with her, De Dame said, so colorful and beautiful.
I looked at her with a broad satisfied smile and thanked her for her wonderful stories and her openness. You're welcome, she said and indicated that she herself had enjoyed it. Can I ask you something, I said and looked at her questioningly. After De Dame had said that I certainly could, I asked my question. Before I proceeded to my question, I told her that she radiates so much joy, life experience & life wisdom. Then my question followed: "What kind of advice or life wisdom would you like to give?" She thought for a moment and then said:
"Always stay curious!"
A short silence followed. After which she gave some extra explanation. Do you know what it is, she said. If you always stay curious, you always ask questions. Asking questions has something that opens or keeps a conversation open. It gives space and air in a conversation, because a question is without conclusion or judgement. Healthy curiosity, that's what I mean, said De Dame. I looked at her in admiration and said, you are a beautiful and special person and I am happy to meet you here. Just then the taxi driver came in and called out De Dame's name. We greeted each other and thanked each other for the nice conversation. Who knows goodbye, we said and De Dame walked with the taxi driver.
Silence followed and me and my friends were lost in our thoughts. Very nice meeting, I told them. To which they both nodded.
Really something for you to have a conversation like this with a total stranger.
Yes, I laughed, that's my healthy curiosity.
Nusa Ina
Always stay curious!