Last night, with the holiday season in full swing, Winterfest activities bustling, and Christmas lights casting a festive glow over the town, Mike and I met our close friends for our usual Friday dinner—a weekly ritual of sharing life’s ups and downs. It’s the kind of gathering where you just get each other, no explanations needed.
Our usual outdoor spot, where we loved to linger over meals, was out of the question. Instead, we huddled inside the cozy warmth of the restaurant—a welcome refuge from the crisp winds outside. Many of the other “outdoor regulars” had chosen to move inside too, creating a soft and familiar buzz in the room. It felt good to be there—comfortable, easy, just like us.
But as we chatted, my attention kept drifting to the table next to us. There was a woman enjoying dinner with her friends. Just like us. She carried herself with a certain grace, an extra care in her makeup and appearance, and something about her demeanor gave me the quiet sense that she might be trans. She was laughing, talking, and fully engaged in the moment, savoring her evening. Just like us. And Robin Williams' words came to mind: “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.”
I don’t know her story or the road she’s traveled, but it felt so right for her to be there, fully herself. It reminded me that kindness is often as simple as letting people be, celebrating the quiet bravery of just showing up. Just like us.
Sometimes, that’s the most beautiful thing of all.