August 18, 2024- The gentleman spoke from the porch of the house where he’s lived for almost forty years: “Sure was a beautiful sunset! Did you get to see it?” I replied that I did, and from the nearby ridge that is the top of Acker Hill, sunsets are a common treasure. The small group of residents at the park’s edge, on South Virginia Street have one of the prime comforts, seeing every sunset that cares to show itself. We, their near neighbours, can get our steps in and take in the glory from one of four benches up above.

While I was speaking to the neighbour on the porch, a young woman skirted the sidewalk. I knew I certainly wasn’t going to harm her, but maybe she’s had bad experiences in the past. A few minutes later, a couple approached on the sidewalk, one street over. I do not cross the street to avoid people, regardless of their appearance-and certainly not a neatly-dressed, happy pair who were walking along, holding hands. I just made room and wished them a nice evening.

Sundays are generally open-ended now. I spent the afternoon and early evening helping a friend get through a Baha’i study. To do that, I had to decline two other requests, but such is life, when one event is scheduled, a second is planned shortly afterward and a third is an eleventh hour request, due to the need for a replacement. I most often stick to the first event, and so it was today.