Wandering Along the Path: Right Speech

My friend came over yesterday to see my daughter and grandson, and I was touched by the delicacy with which she asked my daughter about her delivery and what it was like to be a new mom.  She shared her feelings when she had her first child (and at the same age) and was so gentle and supportive.  This is a woman who was formerly not known for her tact, but she has evolved into a personification of loving kindness.  I've known her for thirty years, and feel blessed to have witnessed her growth and change.  There were times in the past when I moved far away from her to protect myself, as she seemed so self involved and oblivious to others.  I'm glad I hung in there.  She has taken up Buddhism and goes on retreats and sees the same teacher I do.  Maybe that is part of the change.  It's wonderful to see, and yesterday she was my teacher in how to relate to a young woman during a seismic change called motherhood.