A little perspective

I was having one of those days today. You know, the kind where every person who talks with you says, "are you doin' okay? No, really." And even though the day didn't start out that badly, my attitude just kept getting worse. (I wonder if it had anything to do with this being an "off" day from running.) My new flat shoes that I bought purely for comfort were digging into my achilles'. And around 4:45pm, when I tried to register for my very necessary prereq class for next quarter...I found out it was full. I was ready to be done with the day. I decided on my way home to treat myself to a gift certificate manicure. So, I stopped into In-Spa in U-Village (they accept walk-ins, and it's close to the hospital). And, as I sat down to relax and shake off my day, I noticed a young girl in the chair across from me. She was having her toenails painted, as her mother and grandmother watched on, protectively. She had only whisps of short hair on her head, a cast on her arm...and it was then that I noticed the Seattle Children's Hospital wheelchair waiting next to her. I could tell hot pink was her favorite color. Everything she was wearing was pink. This little girl, who the nail technician later told me was only 6, was clearly undergoing some serious chemo treatments. She had left the hospital for a short break from dealing with cancer, poking, prodding and beeping machines...to have her toenails painted pink. My problems instantly felt insignificant. My day melted away. And, as I told her that I liked the color she had picked, this little girl gave me the most beautiful smile I have seen in ages. It's funny...going to the salon did make me feel a lot better...but it wasn't because of the manicure.