I am fully and completely my father's daughter when it comes to my love of conversing with strangers. Besides the wonderful experience of meeting fellow members of humanity, these moments allow me the opportunity to learn from others' life stories and broaden my viewpoint of this world in which we live. Last night's interaction with a seventy-something year old Armenian professor was no different.
Our conversation struck up based upon his travels. After several minutes of conversation, I had discovered that this delightful man was headed to Armenia for the centennial commemoration of the Armenian genocide. Thinking to enlighten me on the topic, he acted quite surprised that I already knew of this event. He began to inquire as to how I knew, and looked at me curiously when I told him that my wife was doing research on this topic currently. Honestly, his silence made me wonder for a moment whether I should have mentioned my wife. The conversation went as follows:
-You have a wife?
-Yes, sir, I do.
-You are a girl?
-Yes, sir, I am. We moved to New York and got married. Is that okay?
-Are you kidding me? I just attended the marriage of my wife's niece! Two white dresses, two people in love, it was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen!
He moved back to the more important topic of the genocide and how I came to know about it. I told him my wife was currently studying History and Human Rights and is set on making this world a place where fewer genocides and atrocities happen. I told him of her love for humanity and how she inspires me to live each day in such a way that adds to the collective peace we so desperately need. A beautiful smile appeared upon his face:
-This is good. When you get home please tell her "don't give up." Give her a big hug and a kiss from me.
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