In the Mt Hagen airport recently I saw this elderly lady from across the check-in area. I gave her a big smile and she immediately rushed over, grabbed my hands, and gave me the biggest smile and put her head on my chest. She kept stroking me and smiling and talking as if she knew me. It was an amazing experience.I have no idea who she was, but we certainly connected that day. I asked if she I could take her photo and she said yes. Her grandson came over and straightened her hat and encouraged her to smile. When I had taken the photos I showed her the screen at the back of the camera.
She looked up at me with wide eyes and asked to me to give her the photo. Have you ever tried to explain to an 80 plus year old woman who has never seen a digital camera how it works.....in broken Pidgin!!!
It was one of those moments in life I will always remember with affection and a smile.
Oh, it makes you wish there was such a thing as a micro-mini printer you could attach to produce a wallet sized copy for her! Bless you both!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet lady, Jules.
ReplyDeleteYou'll have to carry an old Polaroid with you on trips now.
uselaine - if only!!! But good thinking Dive !!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful experience for you and for her. It certainly looks as if you brought joy into this woman's life, which is a great goal for everyone. That is, to try to bring one person joy every day.
ReplyDeleteRemarkable story and shot -- one of those moments in life that really stand out.
ReplyDeleteWow what a great story! You've captured her so well in her photo; here exuberance really shines through. Makes me want to smile more!
ReplyDeleteI have to say, I love it when this happens! I'm the person on the street in NYC (and a few times in Paris) all the lost women approach for directions. Good thing I kind of sort of know my way around. I never thought of taking pics--or carrying a polaroid--but hey that would be the way to go! I especially love the elderly or the people who ask odd questions. I'll never forget the old woman who asked me if there was a bee by her head (it had flown away, but she was worried it had landed on her)
ReplyDeleteIs there a Bee by my head?
She certainly felt strongly about you.
ReplyDeleteShe may have known you from some other life?
I had better get me a hat like that !!
ReplyDeleteAnd you were tempted to give her the whole camera ?
One of those rare and wonderful moments.
Great story! Great photo!
ReplyDeleteVery nice photo of a nice lady.
ReplyDeleteThey got these little printers you put in your purse if you are a woman. Next time, pull it out and plug it in and bingo you got a print to pass out.
ReplyDeleteSomething different from me
Better Blog Writing
This kind of experience brings joy into one's life.
ReplyDeleteHi Jules! Sorry for having taken so long to get back here again. Another hectic week…
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing experience; now you see the advantages of the old Polaroid... ;))
Goroka looks quite nice (you're looking great... ;)), but it's hard to figure which aircrafts would be landing there...
Blogtrotter is still in Santiago de Compostela, now inside the Cathedral… Hope you enjoy, and have a nice weekend!
What a Wonderful experience for you!! We are Each linked to one another in ways we could Never imagine....Happiness to you sweetie!!hughugs
ReplyDeleteall your portraits are fantastic;
ReplyDeleteit is because of the photographer or of the characters
:-)))
What a touching experience. It must have been frustrating to not be able to give her the picture. I love her gental spirit which shows through.
ReplyDeleteShe has a very friendly face and so have you. Your smile must have make her day too. Have a nice weekend.
ReplyDeleteShe has so much character in her face. Those are the moments that you remember.
ReplyDeleteWonderful story. That would be hard to explain.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you made her day as much as she made yours.. I have commented many times about your smile.. now you know the effect it can have,, ;O)
ReplyDeletepeople are so connected-- but you have the spirit that attracts.
ReplyDeleteI loved this story! Thank you for sharing it! Your photograph is perfect!
ReplyDeleteFabulous portrait. Funnily enough I have an old lady on Menton today too. So snap. Yours is fantastic and I love the story that goes with it, Jules.
ReplyDeleteApologies for lack of comments recently. I'm in America. But slowly, from today, hope to start commenting a little more regularly
Very nice story. Now she is famous all over the world thanks to you.
ReplyDeleteShe is such a vision in blue. The text that accompanies brings her to life in a very magical way. Her face is very expressive - half way between joy and agony.
ReplyDeleteHi All
ReplyDeleteWell you never know your luck in the big city - someone may see this post and know her and show it to her .... But I guess he or she will then have to explain again why they can't give her the photo.
Hopefully they will have a printer!!!!
This will be a day you will never forget and someone you will always wonder about.
ReplyDeleteWe had an old neighbor lady and the man that lived with her were from Russia area...one year his granddaughter, her husband and one of their kids came over to visit. We took them all over showing them things and it was Christmas and it was night when we came home...
Neither of us spoke a word of each other's language but Elaina had translation books and we had a blast. To this day we wonder about her and how she and Alex are doing. And that was probably 15-20 years ago.
Very touching story and photo Jules.
ReplyDeletemmb - Hi - thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteRose - I so agree . Someone asked did we communicate in English or Pidgin and I really don't remember - I think there are times when you are able to communicate with people without language!!!