Sitting on the express bus, I noticed, and later became engaged in, an exchange between two women.
Lady #1 had been sitting on the outside section of a two seater, next to a vacant window seat. Lady #2 got on the bus with about 5 overflowing grocery bags and indicated to Lady #1 that she wanted to take the window seat. Although clearly puzzled, Lady #1 carefully shifted to make room, explaining that her careful movements were due to some leg issues. Lady #2 thanked her and squeezed three of her bags into the window seat area, left the other bags close to the bus aisle— near Lady #1’s feet, and went back to pay her fare. When she returned, Lady #1 gave voice to her puzzlement.
Indicating the trio of empty seats stationed directly across from where I was, she asked why Lady #2 couldn’t sit there. It was a section of the bus open to everyone but primarily understood to be for the elderly or the handicapped should the need arise. Lady #2 apologized and explained that she didn’t want to have to get up again if a handicapped or elderly person showed up who needed that area. Understanding, Lady #1 once again moved to create a path to the window seat. While this was happening, Lady #2, perhaps noticing they both had West African accents, asked where Lady #1 was from. “Nigeria,” came the reply. Lady #2 then shared that she was also from Nigeria. She was Yoruba and Lady #1 said she was from Edo State.
Surprised, I now entered the conversation stating my parents were from Edo State and that I was Esan (ethnic group). Lady #1 broke into such a beautiful, warmth filled smile and started speaking to me in my language! I told her where my parents had been born and learned that her mother was born in the same village as my father! I shared that I had been born in Lagos, but came to the states at age 9. She shared she was turning 70 the next day— to which Lady #2 and I exclaimed how fantastic she looked!!
My stop came first and so after we exchanged goodbyes and all the bests, I made my way to my next destination, marveling at how wonderful it was to have had that experience and grateful for the roles both ladies had played in making it possible:)