when life is full of disappointments

tho i refrain from playing favorites, i must admit to having a soft spot for "natalia". she is an incredibly hard worker, excellent saleswoman, bright, enthusiastic, & energetic. she's from eastern europe, has a thick accent, and happily describes tasty food followed by "yum yum".

recently, she got into a car accident that left her relatively, physically unscathed. however there was a couple thousands of dollars of damage. according to office gossip, natalia's husband was unwilling to share the financial burden and shortly thereafter, i hear that natalia got a second job.

as she described her difficulty picking up hours at her second job because of her schedule here, i sensed her anxiety and stress. . .when i asked her if her husband was able to help, she shook her head and struggled to fight back tears.

in the moment i saw how alone natalia felt and was deeply moved. without a family in america. supposedly on a third marriage, and another unhappy one at that. i was frustrated that such an industrious and capable individual was embedded in such a miserable situation. feeling helpless, i gave natlalia a hug and assured her i would do what i could to adjust her schedule.

moments later i continued to reflect on that encounter. what i sense is a greater tragedy. i can envision it so clearly- natalia as a young and beautiful woman, vibrant with dreams and high aspirations. i see natalia now, consumed by unhappiness, haggard, and feeling defeated by a life seemingly full of disappintment. the contrast is both sharp and unnerving.