I had been visiting my favorite beach for years, finding solace in its peaceful atmosphere. One day, I met a young girl named Wendy, who was six years old at the time. She was building a sandcastle, and her bright blue eyes sparkled as she looked up at me.
I wasn’t in the mood to chat, but Wendy’s innocence and curiosity were infectious. She asked me questions, and I found myself responding. As we walked along the beach, she told me about the sandpipers that brought joy, according to her mother.
Over the next few weeks, I encountered Wendy several times on the beach. She would always greet me with a smile and ask if I wanted to play. I often found myself feeling annoyed, but Wendy’s laughter and enthusiasm were hard to resist.
One day, I received some devastating news: my mother had passed away. I rushed to the beach, seeking solace in its familiar surroundings. Wendy found me, and I lashed out at her, telling her to leave me alone. But she asked me a simple yet profound question: “Did it hurt?”
Her question caught me off guard, and I snapped at her. But as I walked away, I realized that Wendy was trying to understand me, to connect with me on a deeper level.
A month later, I returned to the beach, feeling guilty for how I had treated Wendy. But when I went to her cottage, I was met with devastating news: Wendy had passed away due to leukemia.
Her mother handed me a drawing that Wendy had made for me – a sandpiper to bring me joy. As I looked at the drawing, I felt a wave of emotions wash over me. I realized that Wendy had taught me a valuable lesson about love, compassion, and connection.
The drawing now hangs in my study, a reminder of the impact that Wendy had on my life. Her memory continues to inspire me to appreciate the beauty in everyday moments and to cherish the connections I make with others.
