ELLEN

excerpt from COLORS OF MY WORLD (see Aug 31, 2010)

One of my most cherished memories of those first days (1970) of learning the true oneness of humanity was of a college girl named Ellen.  Her attractive Afro and cafe au lait skin was made all the more beautiful by a smile that was full of light and love.  I went to a meeting, which is called a fireside.  This meeting is an informal, comfortable talk followed by a period of questions for those who want to know about the Baha'i Faith.  She had paid her own plane fare from her college town to speak to this small group of interested people.  During the meeting one of the visitors asked a question in a rather rude tone of voice, "If you put all colors together in such close harmony, won't they try to get married and have children who will be neither black nor white?"  Ellen's answer was very sweet, patient and matter of fact. "Yes, and this will add another hue to God's flower garden."  She went on with her talk without a ripple.

I stayed after most everyone else left and kept her up late asking her questions.  She  noticed that I had been looking at her hair intensely, and smiled and said, "You can touch it if you like."  Her sensitivity and willingness to help me grow touched my heart.  her hair was soft as a cotton ball.  Though we lived in different states and see each other rarely I feel like I have walked in to the sunlight when we get together.  Her smile is just as radiant s it was over thirty years ago.