The day before my daughter Norah's fourth birthday, something she said predicted an amazing event that happened later.
I had just 1 my little girl from preschool when she reminded me to 2 the elderly person walking across the parking lot at a snail's pace. She went on to explain: "I like old people the best because they walk 3 like I do and they have soft skin like I have soft skin. But they may die soon, so I will love them all before they die." I was 4 by her thoughtfulness and sympathy, but I had 5 how much my little girl really 6 it.
The following day-her birthday-again on the way home from school, she asked if we could 7 at the supermarket to buy some 8 for her and her six brothers and sisters to enjoy after dinner. Then we headed forward. While I was picking up the cupcakes, Norah was 9 waving and saying loudly: "Hi, old person! It's my birthday today!"
The man was elderly. stone-faced and furrow-browed. 10, before I could quiet her for calling him an old person, he stopped and turned to her. His facial expression 11 as he replied, "Hello, little lady! How old are you today?"
After 12 for a few minutes, the man wished her a happy birthday. Then, Norah asked: "Can I take a 13 with you?" Hearing this, he took a step back, and placed his free hand on his chest, "A photo? With me?" he asked in a surprised but 14 tone. "Yes, for my birthday!" Norah begged. And so he did. They 15 together. Norah placed her soft hand on top of his soft hand. The man wordlessly 16 at her with twinkling eyes as she kept his hand in hers and studied his skinny veins curiously. She kissed the top of his hand and then placed it on her cheek. He smiled sweetly.
There was 17 happening in the supermarket that day, and we could all feel it. After a few minutes, I 18 Mr. Dan for spending a bit of his day with us. With tears welling up, he said, "No, thank you. This has been the best day I've had in a long time." He 19 my daughter. "You've made me so 20, Miss Norah."
