I grew up thinking my mom went to the park every morning for peace. Years later, I learned she went to meet Sonia—a friend from high school who’d lost everything. My mom brought her breakfast, sat with her, and listened. No fixing. Just care.
Years later, I sat on that same bench and met an older man who came there every day. He told me someone once met him there when his life was falling apart.
Her name was Sonia.
After he passed, I helped dedicate a bench in the park. The plaque reads:
“In honor of those who sit, listen, and care. You are seen.”
You don’t have to save the world.
Just show up for someone.
