The Foreigner

I met a traveler from a foreign land; his accent at first made it difficult to understand the words that he spoke to me. Upon listening closely I began to realize, this man was not speaking with such a foreign accent, he was merely speaking from shock and disbelief.

As the travelers’ story unfolded, I was struck with love and pride at the things he had to say. “Oklahomans’ are strong, they are brave, and above all, they show great compassion,” he said. “They know the grief that most will never experience, and through this they have united as a family!”

The stranger continued on “The building there, I think it is called the bombing memorial, has really left an impression on me regarding the horrors that you all faced on that fateful April day.” “I never realized the loss or devastation, not until I saw the child’s shoe placed within the glass display case.”

By now this strangers eyes has started to swell with tears as he continued on. “They say the shoe was found alone, next to a toy, no child around, not one sole could be found for the lonesome shoe.” “That was just the beginning of what is now inside of your building; the toys, clothes, and even watches makes a vivid point, but most of all, the shoe will always haunt me.”

All this gentleman could do was wipe his eye as he stared in disbelief, then suddenly he turned to me stating merely facts, “Many lost their lives in vain, nothing for Oklahoma will ever be the same; your tragedy has touched many and now the world feels your pain.” “The memorial is beautiful, I am glad they kept the tree, isn’t it amazing how such a simple thing withstood this test?” My newly found friend just stood there shaking his head as he proceeded to gaze at the chairs, one for each soul that the bomb had claimed.

“I love this country, yes indeed, but I love this state even more, because your strength has set you free.” “Oklahomans are truly an inspiration, to overcome such tragedy; your land is rich in love, who cares about the money; in the end, it’s just love that this world truly needs.” These were the last words this man spoke to me, he left me with a feeling of pride; I am proud to be a part of this Oklahoma family, thanks to a stranger that I met on the street.