Brussels, Belgium is a city of beauty and history and one I
remember for the kindness of its people.
A volcanic eruption in Iceland had stranded us in Amsterdam
while we were on our way to see our daughter in England. With all flights
canceled for the foreseeable future, we took a college student’s advice to take
the train to Brussels then the Eurostar to England.
All travel guidebooks say to never wander looking lost.
Proceed with confidence or make yourself a target for thieves and opportunists.
Unfortunately, my resting countenance seems to be either
awestruck or befuddled. When we emerged from the train in Brussels, my husband
and I did a slow circle trying to decide, now what? We clutched the address
page our Dutch concierge had printed out for us, and peered around for an EXIT
sign.
An older woman approached and asked, in English, “Do you
need help?”
Gratefully, we handed over the paper with the address and
explained. She turned to the gentleman she was with and together they tried to
decipher Dutch directions in rapid fire French. She called her companion, Papa,
but we discovered he was her husband.
After a discussion flurry of pointing, headshakes and murmurs,
I realized marriage looks the same the world over. Directions deciphered, they
led us out of the train station and pointed the way to our hotel.
We thanked them and we each went on our way. The next day we
were in England with our daughter.
This morning, Brussels is in shock from three bombings. Once
more, we watch innocents suffer and a country struggle to recover. But I’m
reminded of the beauty of two Belgians who took time from their day to extend
help and compassion to tourists.
In the face of those who seek to destroy, we should remember
the world is also made up of people who reach out with kindness and grace.
I hope the lady and her Papa and their family are safe and
that beautiful Brussels recovers quickly from this assault.
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