I LOVE the origin of words…CONNECTION
Where did the word connection come from? Etymology.[the study of the origin of words] From Middle English conneccioun, connexioun, conneccyon, conneccion, from Latin connexionem (nominative connexio (“a conclusion, binding together”)), from connectō, an alternative spelling of cōnectō (“I bind together”), from compound of co- (“together”) and nectō (“I bind”).
So, to bind together is a beautiful way to describe our need for connection. Like a coming together to bind or bond. Last night my husband and I were whale watching from a bench along the Oregon coast when a young man stood near us looking out into the vast horizon. We started to talk to him and shared with him that there were a number of whales to see. He perked right up. We knew he was not local and began to ask questions and inquire where he was from. He chimed in & told us he was from Germany. He began to tell us about his bike excursion down the coast & that he had been traveling for months through Canada, and just left Washington and was headed to California. Then a whale blew & he began to see the number of whales, “That is a lot of whales,” He smiled. We smiled and kept asking him questions. We then invited him to come stay for a meal, shower and a good night sleep in a bed. He thought for a moment and then said, “Yes. I accept your invitation.” We directed him to some cliffs beyond the bench and told him we would throw his bike in our truck and head out shortly.
It was such a fun evening getting to connect with a complete stranger from a foreign land. We had him share his highlights of dog-mushing in Canada, learned about his siblings and family in Germany, talked about the Ukrainian war and its impact in Europe, back and forth we shared over Mexican food by our outdoor fire pit. We all walked the beach together, watched the sun set and then relaxed for the evening with more questions and the movie, “The Life of Walter Mitty.” Our new friend, Marios took it all in and was so gracious in all he did. He snacked, smiled and indulged us when we told him he had to try one of our favorite, relaxing, family rituals…footie socks! He looked at us very strange and said, “What are footie socks?” His puzzled face was priceless. We showed him how to apply the cheap, moisturizing foot socks & the whole family had them on while we watched the movie. He was amazed and took silly photos with our dogs and his socks. “Crazy Americans!” We all laughed.
It was a great time connecting with another human living a different experience. We are all like that. Different circumstances, thoughts, governments, ideas, beliefs, desires, culture, family…but in situations like this, we are all just people…getting to know one another, connecting, sharing, learning and caring.
Connection gives you new perspectives, it helps you see the world from various views, and allows you to just LOVE. We are just people. We are all in this together. We genuinely enjoyed hearing him share stories about different people he has met along the way. He shared how he thought the trip would be harder and lonelier, but for him, he has felt more connected. He has met many people his age along the way, made new friends in various places and shared that when he started the trip he was much more introverted and shared that the journey has helped him so much.
It was wonderful. This morning I wrote him a small note to pass along our info. and stay connected. In the note, I attached the quote from the movie, Walter Mitty that was the Life Magazine Motto…
This movie, this quote, this connection with our new friend help solidify how important and life affirming connection truly is. We need to “find each other, and to feel.” There is real purpose and meaning when we get to notice and value another person and their journey. It is a beautiful gift.
Reach out and connect with a stranger, begin a conversation, open a door and smile, share in the tiny connections that help us find, feel and connect.
Thank you, Marios for being authentically you, being open and willing to be part of our family for a day and to share in your journey. What a gift. We are all gifts to one another if we open our hearts and seek the connections.
Be safe, friend.
Peace, Love and Light. -H
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