Better Together

I expected it to be a bit chilly out as I walked to the metro, but the weather was surprisingly nice, which made my trek around Friendship Heights much more enjoyable.

As I was checking out the stores and restaurants along the sidewalk, I saw a woman sitting outside of one and thought I’d say hello.

Natalie was her name, and she’d just gotten off of a work shift at the Cheesecake Factory, which she enjoys because it offers her interactions with new people on a daily basis.

Her dad’s side of the family is from DC, but her mom’s side is from Puerto Rico, so she used to visit her mom’s family during the summers as a kid.

Another thing Natalie did as a kid was discover her love of poetry!

She explained to me how she wrote a poem about “blue glue” because it rhymed, and it made everyone laugh.

Ever since then, she’s loved to write poetry and read in her free time.

Meet Natalie

What brings her joy?

When I asked her about her source of joy, Natalie said without hesitation that it was her 1-year-old son.

He recently learned how to walk, and Natalie said that it was an absolutely crazy experience to see it happen.

They like to go to the park together and use the swings, and it’s little moments like these that bring Natalie joy.

Quality time, especially with a loved one, is not something to take for granted, and Natalie clearly appreciates the moments of joy she has with her son!