Marilyn | Met In Memphis

Meet Marylin. She lights up any afternoon. She works at my favorite parking garage downtown (and has for 6-7 years). I was habitually pulling up to pay my ticket to head home when Marylin exclaimed “HI! I love your shirt!” I was immediately snapped out of the “have a good day” drawl I expected. I was pulling out and thinking about how wonderful it was to see her. I’ve been trying to grow my bravery and listen to my heart when it says “JUST ASK! JUST ASK TO TAKE THIER PHOTO!” Because there are countless times I dismissed that thought in fear of rejection or awkwardness. Now I ask myself “what did you have to lose?” The worst thing that could have happened was a no.. and that isn’t that bad!

So I whipped around and parked with hazard lights on. I walked up and introduced myself to Marylin. I explain how much I appreciate her spirit of joy, and asked if I could photograph her. She blushed and tried to convince me it was a bad idea. I persisted and she giggled and at last complied. We had a fantastic conversation. It was full of laughter and breaks as cars came by to pay their ticket. Marylin has a magnetic personality, and her laugh is the freakin best!

I asked her what advice she had for me, “oh... I would tell you to not worry! It’s important to just let things happen! Not worth worrying about. Do you believe in God? OH well you know! We shouldn’t worry! He knows!” Amen! Her joy is truly a testimony to her trust in God.

We hugged and said goodbye! It was so wonderful. I am so glad I stopped. Everyone deserves to see this smile and the glimmer in Marilyns eyes!