Two hope-affirming events happened to me in Oak Park during the busy week before Christmas. I would like to spread the hope as I share both.
There was a woman, a complete stranger, standing next to me on Lake Street and we were contemplating crossing over an icy snow mound to get to the other side. It was a busy, frigid day. We decided we could do it if we hung onto each other so we proceeded slowly; however, I soon began to slip, then slide, and worried I would bring her down with me. She quickly held me upright with all her might as she leaned against a parked car to keep her footing. We made it the rest of the way holding onto one another for dear life. Neither one of us is young any longer, so I couldn’t help shedding a tear as I thanked her and she said, “It had to be God.” She scurried off with the other shoppers.
Later that same week, I went to the Art Institute via Oak Park’s Village (Blue) Cab. The driver dropped me off on Michigan Avenue and I paid him with my debit card which I failed to retrieve as I exited the cab.
The traffic was so heavy I felt sorry for him. Soon, I received a call from Blue Cab company saying the driver was circling the block to return my bank card. I could only salute him with a peace sign as he held my card out his window then checked his side mirror to maneuver back into traffic. I thought, “It had to be God again. He certainly gets around.”
I do not know either of these people but I hope they know how much I love them.
Feel hopeful in 2026.
Marilyn Jancewicz
Forest Park
