A Small Happiness, A Big Gift
Case of Red
Red, he is a rather smaller statue but packed up with tons of muscle and with a big personality. His little happiness gave me a big gift.
One day, he approached one staff member with a pointy finger that is moving like tapping. He stopped and stood in front of the staff member and pointed her hair. At first, she was not sure what he was doing. However, shortly after, she said, “You noticed I got a haircut. Do you like it?” At that moment, he made a big smile on his face. I have never seen a person expressing joy and happiness throughout their body. It was pure pleasure, joy, and happiness.
The other day, he was sitting in a rocking chair on the deck. He was looking in the sky in which it was clear and had so many stars. When I approached him, he pointed to the sky with a motion tapping like usual. It was a beautiful night. I simply said, “It is very beautiful isn’t it!” He made a big smile on his face. Again, he showed pure joy and happiness throughout his body.
Another day, he went to the dentist. Upon leaving the doctor’s office, he bent over and pointed at the border between the room and hallway. He pointed with a motion tapping like usual. I said, “Yes, floor is different between room and hallway. It is interesting!” Again, he had a big smile on his face. He showed joy and happiness throughout his body.
There were many more occasions. However, those three stood out for me. Through interacting with him, I learned the importance of communication (real communication with understanding each other), emotional pains and joy/happiness when a person cannot communicate or have limited means of communication. It is sad, hurtful, painful, and frustrating for people when others cannot understand them. After encountering so many occasions/situations in which they are not heard or understood, they experience great joy and happiness even though it is a small and subtle exchange and sharing with others. It was a small happiness for him, but it was a great eye opener for me and thus, it was a big gift to me from him.
By Sakuhana