andreaeda

what if i told you my biggest influencer was a stranger 

actually two to be precise

i was driving on a Saturday one rainy day

drip, drop, drip

and as my windshield wipers kept wiping 

swish, swish, swish

I saw something that was so enlightening

a man and a boy

both wearing a kippah

walking up a hill

as if there were clear skies

and at that moment i wished I was them

i wished i believed in a faith so strongly that I walked in the pounding rain because it was a sacred day

i wished my parents introduced me to a belief that upheld traditions

i wished I knew how to believe in something greater how to love a belief so passionately you use it as a guide

a guide that brings you fulfillment

and love

and joy

to the two strangers

i ask you to never hide your faith

or be ashamed

instead inspire

ignite others 

like you did to me

like you made me research religions like my life depended on it

because i guess it kind of does

i want to thank you two strangers

for influencing more than 10 years of catholic schooling ever did

for giving me hope that there is something greater

i notice little moments more now

appreciate more

love more

and definitley walk in the rain more

thank you

for making me admire something so precious

tears were brought to my eyes

and when you look into the eyes of others I ask you to uncover that blinding aura 

go change people’s lives

just like you did mine