Fusion : The process or result of joining two or more things together to form a single entity.
A few weeks ago, I found myself in one of my favorite cities: Seattle, Washington. Within minutes of my arrival to Pike Place Market, I felt an overwhelming sensation that I was meant to be in that spot, at that moment, with my two children.
As we meandered around the colorful and lively market, I witnessed six connections, which I will refer to as “points of light” in the following post. These moments, later comprised as one remarkable collection, illuminated the beauty and importance of living life with open eyes, open hands, and an open heart.
This is my story …
We had just reached the outskirts of Pike Place Market when it quickly occurred to me that I would not be dictating the pace or the sights of this excursion, but rather my children would.
As if pulled by some mysterious force, they both ran directly to one particular vendor whose table was located just outside the market. Prominently displayed beneath a sign that read “Fusion of Glass” was an array of brightly colored nuggets suspended on a leather cord.
The dapper young vendor spoke kindly to my daughters and informed them that there was a $5 discount for “little people” and a $5 discount for “those who had to put up with little people.” I instantly liked his clever marketing tactic.
I watched as he showed my 5 year old daughter how the medallion became brilliantly illuminated when placed against different articles of clothing. For the next ten minutes, she proceeded to pick up every vibrant oval within reach and place it against her jacket.
“Look at this one shine, Mama!” she marveled again and again as each stone she selected radiated its own unique color tones while cupped in her small hands.
Little did I know the sparkling light of a glass pendant would be a precursor to the extraordinary events that were about to unfold.
Points of Light #1
After examining literally every medallion available at “Fusion of Glass,” my daughter decided it would be wise to see all the products the market had to offer before making her final purchase.
She took this task quite seriously, and we proceeded to visit every vendor table in the market so she could examine the unique items. She marveled at miniscule flowers made of clay, hand-painted hairpins, homemade soap, ornately beaded bracelets, silk scarves, and miniature oil paintings. The artists were extremely patient and informative, taking time to explain to my child exactly how their artwork was created.
I must admit, I was as engrossed in the selection process as she was, but not by the artifacts—which were all exquisite—but rather by the facial expressions of my child and the artists as they interacted. I witnessed a tangible connection as the passion of one person merged with interest and appreciation of another.
After an hour, I informed my daughter it was time to meet the rest of our family at the world famous fish market. As we made our way through the jovial, easy-going crowd, I noticed a troubled look on her face. I suspected she was trying to make a decision about what item from the market she would purchase.
Sure enough she said sadly, “I don’t know what to buy.”
“Oh, I bet. It is such a hard choice because there are so many neat things,” I agreed.
“No, Mama,” she corrected, “I don’t know what to buy because I don’t want to hurt any of the artists’ feelings; they made all these things with their own hands.”
What is the point of being alive if you fail to notice and applaud the beautiful efforts of someone pursuing a dream?
Points of Light #2
After delighting in seeing monstrous slabs of fresh salmon tossed around by fishmongers in white aprons and yellow rubber boots, we headed to the street along the edge of the market.
At the same moment, every member of my family looked in the direction of a captivating sound drifting from a nearby corner. Much to our surprise, we spied a musician singing and playing the guitar while aptly balancing a hoola hoop around his waist.
My daughters ran over and alternated between looks of awe and clicks of the camera—a spectacle they couldn’t wait to show their daddy upon return from the trip.
In a funky, Spin Doctor-esque style, the musician belted out a catchy tune called, “I Love My Mom.” It was impossible not to laugh or stand still as he amused the huge crowd that congregated around him.
Suddenly a woman approached us and said, “Excuse me. I couldn’t help but notice these two little girls.”
She smiled at my daughters who couldn’t tear their eyes away from the most original live entertainment they had seen in their life.
“I just love how they are appreciating the musician and clearly enjoying themselves. It is just a beautiful sight.”
What is the point in being alive if you cease to delight in life’s simple joys—like the wonder and excitement in a child’s face or the pleasing sound of live music on a crowded street corner?
Points of Light #3
We walked a few more minutes and discovered a group of musicians whose talent was so extraordinary, you couldn’t help but stop and stare. My 5 year old daughter, who plays the ukulele and loves to sing, was mesmerized by the gigantic upright bass, the tap dancing lead singer, and the fast-fingered banjo player.
After watching intently for five minutes, I could tell my daughter was not planning to move on anytime soon, so I motioned for my sister to take my older daughter on ahead. I then squatted down on the sidewalk. Taking this as a sign to rest a bit, my 5 year old settled into my lap and soaked up the sounds with all her senses.
But after a few moments, her tapping foot suddenly stopped. She turned and whispered into my ear, “I don’t want to forget this.”
What is the point of being alive if you neglect to engrain life’s most meaningful moments into your memory bank?
Points of Light #4
We caught up with my sister and older daughter and headed toward the place where our adventure started that day. While walking, we passed a homeless man in a dilapidated wheelchair. His right leg had been amputated and his left hand was covered in what had once appeared to be a bright pink bandage that was now covered in a dingy, gray film. Although he wore an empty expression on his face, his eyes were bright and alert.
A few steps past, my 8 year old daughter suddenly stopped. She looked into my face with a mixture of conflict and determination and spoke.
“I feel like I need to give him some money.”
The words spilled from her lips as she began fumbling through her pink pocketbook. For the first time in her life, my rule-following first-born child did not ask for my permission to do such a bold deed. This indicated that I must stand back and let her do what she must do.
I quickly noticed that unlike the other homeless people we had passed, this man did not have a money cup in his hand nor did he have a container for spare change sitting beside his chair. I wondered how my daughter would handle this obstacle.
Without hesitation, she walked up and handed the crumpled the bills from her wallet to the man directly. I watched in awe as my child looked straight into his eyes and warmly acknowledged that he was seen, that he was not invisible to her, as he is to so many.
I watched as he mouthed the words, “God bless you, sweet child,” and the cloak of despair lifted from his face for one brief moment.
What is the point in being alive if you have no compassion for a brother or sister in need and ignore the urgings of your heart?
Points of Light #5
As we neared our final meeting place, I could see my parents waiting in the distance. We had almost reached them when a fragile elderly man, being escorted by his grown son, stopped right in the middle of the sidewalk to greet my younger daughter.
“Hello!” he called out warmly to her as if addressing a longtime neighbor across the street.
He opened his wrinkle-lined eyelids a bit wider and took in my child’s strawberry-blonde curls, freckled face, and clear blue eyes. She looked directly into his face and smiled her “sunflower on steroids” smile to which he quietly said, “You are beautiful.”
As my child stood below him basking in the glory of his adoration, his eyes filled with tears. I knew that my child’s face had triggered a memory, perhaps transporting him to an earlier time or to the presence of someone he used to know and love dearly.
Desperately trying to control the emotion that threatened my ability to speak, I whispered in her ear, “I think you remind him of someone.”
And then as if instinctively knowing what he needed, she reached out her small, porcelain hand and offered it to him. His shaky hand, covered with protruding veins and age spots, grasped hers as a tear silently slipped down his weathered face.
What is the point in being alive if you neglect to extend a loving hand to the young, the feeble, the weak, and the lost?
Points of Light Merge
A few feet away was the place where it all started.
“Fusion of Glass.”
My younger daughter ran up to the familiar merchant and excitedly announced, “I’m back!” as if he had been hopelessly waiting for her return.
We assured the kind man we had looked at EVERY item available at Pike’s Place Market only to realize THIS is what made her heart sing … THIS is what she wanted to keep forever.
My daughter picked up the medallion she had been eyeing earlier and held it up for purchase. The man showed her how to shorten the adjustable strap, and then tenderly placed the jewel around her neck.
The pendant hung just to the right of her heart, and oh how it shined! It shined like the light of two souls merging along a busy street … it shined like two souls merging along the busyness of life.
The light of human connection …
It is in the artist’s smile when her creation is admired.
It is in the musician’s heart when people stop to listen, tap their feet, and soak up his gift.
It is in the children’s faces and in their words when they are listened to and loved.
It is in the lost, the broken, and the hopeless when someone looks them in the eye and regards them as a human being.
It is in the elderly, in their deep facial lines, their precious memories, and that twinkle in the eye when treated with respect and kindness.
The light of human connection—it is right at our fingertips, right in our line of vision, but so often untouched and unseen beneath the veil of distraction,
beneath the hurry,
beneath the excessive stimulation,
beneath the technology, the to-do lists, the futile attempts at perfection.
But the light is there, and it is ours for the taking when we allow our soul to merge with another.
What is the point in being alive if you fail to see the light?
See it today.
See it in a child.
See it in a loved one.
See it in a friend or even a stranger.
And once you see it, let that marvelous light spill across your heart and bring what really matters clearly into focus.
Believe me when I say the light of human connection is so powerful it can stop you in your tracks—even on a crowded street corner—and make you grateful to be alive.
*********************************************
I leave you with a little “Hands Free” musical inspiration by Ingrid Michaelson. The lyrics of this beautiful song are a testament to the powerful, uplifting, and healing impact of human connection. May you find a moment to lift the veil of distraction and see the light today.
The The Point of Being Alive by Hands Free Mama, unless otherwise expressly stated, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Thank you thank you, this was beautiful! I hold on to too much and need to learn to just let go and go with each day, esp. now that I have a child of my own.
Thank you so much, Melanie. I am guilty of “holding on to too much,” as well. I love your desire to “let go and go with each day.” Our children can be wonderful guides in this department! Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Thank you. That was beautiful! You made my day infinitely brighter.
Thank you for such a beautiful compliment, Teresa. I am honored.
I had tears in my eyes when I read this, such a beautiful post! I have been following your blog for a while and really enjoy your writing. Also been very convicted to put down my iPhone, thanks
Heidi,
Thank you for the lovely compliment! It means so much to know you have been reading for awhile! I truly appreciate you letting me know the impact of my writing on your phone usage. Knowing this fuels my writing tremendously … thank you for the inspiration!
Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. Brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you for reading, Jenni, and for being a part of this community.
Your words are changing me. Thank you for writing.
Wow. I am so touched. Thank you for this gift, Danielle.
How many times can you make me cry in one post! Sheesh! So Beautiful.
Ha! Thank you, Krista! I don’t usually cry when I write my own posts, but every time I edited this piece, the elderly man with the tears in his eyes got to me. I will never forget his tender expression when he gazed into my daughter’s face. Thank you for reading … even though it makes you cry!
Beautiful and touching post – brought tears to my eyes! You have such a way with words and paint such beautiful images with them. Thank you for these inspiring posts!
Thank you, Michelle! What a heartwarming compliment!
This might be my favorite blog post ever written. Thank you.
Oh my goodness! WOW. I am honored by your words tonight. THANK YOU!!!
You have the unique ability to see the world around you in a halo of beautiful light, seeing the little things that so many people miss. The story about the elderly man stopping to tell your younger daughter that she’s beautiful brought tears to my eyes! I love, love, love your outlook on life.
You are so kind, Kristin. It was a remarkable day, and I cannot help but think that when I was living distracted, I would have missed ALL those moments. I certainly would have rushed my daughters through the market, failing to let them be my guide to the wonder and beauty around me. Thank God, things are different now, and I was able to slow down and take in the gifts that surrounded me that day. I am so honored to share this journey with you, my friend. XO
I could read your story over & over…. You left me wanting more! You open my heart to what is right in front of us each day! Thank you for your work, I look forward to reading this every day. Blessings in a post;))
That is the ultimate compliment, Jennifer. My writer’s heart has been filled by your lovely words.
On a busy London train, commuting to work, and my eyes are full of tears.
Remembering my grandfather, remembering how I used to always give money, precious pocket money, to beggars when I was 8 and lived in Portugal and thinking about my beautiful three children and all the beauty we will share in years to come.
Thank you for this beautiful post-loved it!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful “point of light” from your own memory and heart, Cecille. I am grateful.
Honestly, Rachel, the internet does not deserve, nor is it worthy of, your peerless prose. It is easy to love your message and your story-telling, but I hope your fans also recognize the brilliance in your writing style and your keen language skills. Flawless.
Kudos to you, as always. When you get that book out I PROMISE to meet you at your first book-signing in my area.
Well, you certainly know how to make a person’s day, Bill. These are words I will never forget … particularly on the days when my inner critic is working overtime. God willing, I will get my book published, and I look forward I can personally greet my wonderful supporters and companions on this journey … like you, my friend!!!
Wow! Thank you for sharing.
So happy to have found your blog. A friend of mine recommended it. What a beautiful post. I will be sharing with my family tonight, thank you!
What a beautiful story, there is nothing better than witnessing your child fall in love with a sound, a piece of art, a place. I don’t remember to let them lead the way very often but when I do, I am always rewarded. Thanks for the nudge in the right direction and wonderful way with words!
This is so moving. I strive everyday to teach my 3 year old son to appreciate and be thankful for everything. If only us grown-ups could take the time to try and see things through a childs eyes for a moment! Thanks again for taking the time to share your thoughts and special moments with us!
What a beautiful recount of your day trip!! I thought of my 2 youngest girls, 3 & 6, and envisioned their own awe-struck expressions had they encountered all of this wonder. Children truly open our eyes to things we “been there done that” “grown ups” often miss as we hurry thru life to get onto the next thing, to whittle down that “to do” list. Thank you for sharing your marvelous “points of light”! Truly an inspiration! God Bless You!
Your daughters are so lucky to have you as their mama… and the world is assuredly a better place because of you. I am a regular reader Rachel. I hope you know you are a gift to all of us out here tyring to live each day a little better than the last. As always, thank you for the beautiful reflection…let the light shine in!
Beautiful post, thank you! I have only been reading your blog for a week or so, but I have already started to be more hands free. Just last night I took my Kindle out to the back yard to read while my son played, but as I went to sit down I thought of this site and decided to leave the book be and play in stead! Again Thank you!
Oh, what a wonderful post. What fortunate children you have – you are there, present, receiving that amazing & priceless gift of seeing the world through their eyes. And too, how fortunate they are to have a mama, and no doubt other loving adults in their lives, who have shown them by example, to be generous, open and caring.
Emma Ann Weatherly
Thank you for that beautiful comment, Emma Ann. I treasure such loving words.
Simply Beautiful. I wish the whole world would read this piece of art. Your daughters are so lucky to have you as their mother and vice versa.
I am honored you see my writing as a “piece of art.” How beautiful of you to tell me so. Thank you, Kristy.
Rachel
Thank you so much for the gentle reminders to enjoy each day and moment as it unfolds. What a beautiful writer you are! And thank you for sharing your thoughts and heart with all of us =)
This was beautiful. Thank you for sharing it with the rest of us.
You truly inspire me! What a wonderfully written, observation of hidden treasures that did not escape you. Thank you! I cried most of the way through this one.
Yet another beautiful and uplifting post. As I read this, I couldn’t help but be thankful that you so openly share your wonderful art of writing with us.
Your daughter’s compassion for the feelings of the artists is laudable! Wonderful post, as usual. Thank you-
I have tears running down my cheeks EVERY TIME I read your posts. I need to stop reading them at work
You echo my heart and I’m so grateful for the reminder to take the time to be alive..it is so easy to forget. As I write this there are streams of children leaving on the last day of school, the excitement in the air is palatable. Usually I shut my door to drown out the noise so I can work on my oh so important reports. But not today, today the door stays open. In fact, today I leave my desk to wave goodbye as the children head off into summer.
Thanks again
This piece took my breath away and made me feel happy to be a mom. I feel fortunate to have found your blog and grateful for your talent. Thank you!
What beautiful writing! Love the perspectives and how everything tied together. You made me smile, tear up and reflect. What a brilliant piece!
My heart is spilling over with emotion. Trying to contain my tears at work. You are an amazing Mama and outstanding writer. I’m so glad my sister suggested this site! Thank you.
This is a beautiful post! I will make more of an effort to “see the light” this week! Thank you!
I was so excited when I saw that you had a new posting today. Your stories are like sunshine for my day and manna for my soul. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experiences and inspire us to enjoy and appreciate our children even more.
Oh that makes me so happy, Sarah! I know my mom gets excited about a new post from me in her inbox, but to know you do, too is truly a gift!
Well I had tears in my eyes from the start but when it got to the bit about the old man I shut my eyes and BAWLED! Thx so much for illuminating the magic of being involved in the world, of being present, of being kind. We have just paid for a two week trip with our kids to explore three major cities here in australia and see snow for their first time. I was feeling nervous & apprehensive about the huge task of preparing for the trip, but now I am excitedly anticipating it, knowing all the opportunities for connection with the world that await. Still wiping my eyes! Thank you Rachel
Oh this makes me so happy! I love it when the message of my post falls into the right hands at the right moment. I look forward to hearing about all the “points of light” you experience on your 2 week adventure with your family! Please keep me posted. Thank you for being here!
how brilliant that you noticed… and wrote so beautifully so as to share the moments with all of us. thank you, thank you!!
This is spectacular!!
Thank you for your ability to see and share those beautiful moments… and for your message of hope!
Hugs,
Leah
I thought the artist name sounded familiar. And then I listened to the song, and I was sure I had her in my iTunes (and if I didn’t I needed to) but sure enough there she was. “Breakable” is the song I can leave on repeat for a long time. She’s a remarkable artist.
I loved hearing about the Market from you. I live here, and I have yet to make the visit with my kids (too much hassle, don’t like crowds, etc.) Perhaps we can set that aside and just go experience it.
Thank you, Sarah! I will download “Unbreakable.” I know I would love it, too. I am so jealous to learn you live in Seattle. I think it is a magical place. Let me know when you make it to the market with your kids!
what an incredible story and so beautifully told! thank you for this lovely point of light. what a wonderful way to begin my day…xo
you touched me
Tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat – but I loved it. A beautiful story – beautifully told. Thank you.
Thank you so much, Adam. You just made my day.
You brought tears to my eyes. You are a gifted writer. Thank you for taking the time to write your heart on this blog. You have given me so much to think about the last few months, at a time when I was questioning many things in my life. I believe you are a gift from God, and I bless you for it. My children will have a better Mom because you took the time to share.
Dear Joy,
Saying “thank you” in response to your beautiful comment does not even come close to the gratitude I feel when I read your loving words. To think your children “have a better mom” because of something I wrote is truly a gift. When I sit down to write, I write for one person … my hope is to touch just one person’s life that day. Thank you for letting me know that I did. You have blessed me beyond words.
Rachel
LOVE this post! What amazing daughters you are raising. You should be so proud! I used to live in Seattle and could totally visualize the market as I ready our story. THANK YOU.
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Rachel : Beautifully written! You not only inspire parents who are raising children but your writings impact people of all ages. You are a blessing.
Such a wonderful story. I could almost picture myself back at the Pike Place Market, experiencing these events myself. You do such an incredible job of capturing life’s simple moments. Thank you for sharing!
What a beautiful post!
What a wonderful heartfelt post. Thank you so much for writing it.
Beautiful!
I sit here so deeply touched by this post and wishing that I could hang around with your children for an afternoon so I could witness them in action.
I will instead, keep this story on my heart as inspiration for my daily interactions with other souls.
Love……
Pam
This is totally and completely beautiful. Such good words for the soul. My word this year is Light and this reminded me of another layer of why I chose that word.
Beautiful
Things are very hard in my life right now, and I find myself desperately seeking out the things that make live amazing, beautiful, miraculous. This is a wonderful, touching story. Thank you for sharing it, for sharing your experience.Your daughters sound like beautiful people.
Thank you, Rachael. I find your outlook, despite your difficult situation, is quite miraculous and inspiring in itself. I hope there is a ray of light in the very near future for you, friend.
I don’t just love this because I happen to know the gentleman who made your daughter’s pendent, but also because of the sentiment of the entire piece. Well done. It made me very happy.
Oh wow, Alexis! Your message gives me goosebumps. Thank you!
Loved reading your story Rachel! It moved and touched a part of me deeply.
Wish I had read this some years ago.
Thank you so much, Trevor. You just made my day!
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I’m cleaning out my inbox and came across Ali Edwards’ Creative Lifts e-mail from a few weeks ago. Even though I was in “business mode,” trying my best to brutally purge my inbox, I decided to click on one link in the e-mail, and it brought me here. I’m so, so glad it did. I’m sitting here with tears streaming down my face saying, “Yes. Yes. Yes.” This is how I strive to live my life. Thank you so much for this post. I don’t subscribe to blogs–I don’t want reading them to be yet another To Do list–but I’m subscribing to yours because I need more posts like this in my life. Thank you.
Thank you for the incredible compliment, Cameron. You have touched my heart with your words.
lovely writing Rachel.
“What is the point of being alive if you fail to notice and applaud the beautiful efforts of someone pursuing a dream?”
I write this with tears running down my face. What a beautiful story. These two special little girls must have a very special mom and dad for them to have so much compassion for others.
The next time I visit Pike Place Market I am sure I am going to remember this.
You are so kind, Elizabeth. Thank you for the loving comment.
Oh wow. At about point of light #3, I started getting those goosebumps that are a sign that something has reached into my soul. Thank you for this.
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This is so lovely. I know this was written a while ago, but I wanted to comment to say that, once again, one of your articles has made it onto my ‘bookmark to read again and again’ list. Thank you, Rachel.
YAY! Somehow in all of my posts that I have ever written, you found my favorite one of all. This one makes me happy. So glad it touched your heart, too. Thank you for finding my blog today and sticking around to read more. I hope you can find a bit of hope to hang on to. You are a remarkable young lady.