Category: Simple moments

I boarded the Island Queen Ferry from Falmouth to Martha’s Vineyard. A friend from home was renting there so we decided to have a Girl’s Day of wandering the quaint streets, visiting Edgartown Books and then eating at Behind the Books cafe (so cute and delicious), and simply catching up on life. The 9am ferry was crowded on this bluebird morning and a pair of older couples were sitting in front of me, chatting excitedly about their first visit to the island, reminiscent of kids in a candy store. There is something magical about the journey across Vineyard Sound instantly transporting you to another world of calm, tranquility, and natural beauty. Upon departure, this group of friends unsuccessfully tried to take a selfie. Overhearing their frustration, I offered to capture the moment. I then realized one of the women was blind, her white cane propped on the empty seat next to her. The travelers graciously thanked me as I teetered back to my seat. The wind picked up, blowing my hair recklessly and I turned my face toward to warm sun. The shore was dotted with grey-washed clapboard cottages shrinking out of sight. The water was glistening so ferociously that I had to squint. Closing my eyes and taking a deep breath, I wondered if this blind woman was able to feel what I was feeling even though she wasn’t seeing the same view. A feeling of sadness swept through me as I thought she was missing out on my experience. Who was I to judge that my eyes gave me more in this world? As I glanced over, her head was raised toward the rays of light, eyes closed yet turned up on the edges hinting at the serene smile dressing her face. The beauty of this moment was felt and savored by both of us with our whole bodies, a wordless understanding of the majesty and adventures lying ahead.