Its 10PM  and am coming from a long work day. I chance upon a Mary Grace’s fruit cart. Who sells fruit with a wide grin on their faces at 10PM at night? beckoned by the smile, I approach to buy a couple of mangoes and bananas. As Mary Grace weighs out the produce, we get to talking about our day. I tell her  of the cases I worked and she shares with the reason for the spunk after a 12 hour day on the street. ” I am funding my dreams, she said. If  I don’t stand up for myself, believe in myself, and take risks in life, I will live without having fulfilled my God-given potential.  Ako lang, at ako ang makakatuwid sa buhay ko. Para sa aking sarili at sa aking dreams, wala akong tatanggihim na trabaho.  Sa ilang oras kong pagbebenta abot-kaya ang panggarap. Konting sacrifice, konting timpi. Walang pili. Focus lang one step at a time.”

Mary Grace bagged up my purchase and I am reminded once again the importance of dreams and believing in them.  And how, with every gesture of kindness and generosity and simply making time to chat, we are able to help others reconnect and reach for their dreams.  I paid Php 45 for a couple of fruits and a tuition fee for a life class. Mary Grace, wonder woman.