Grace In A Warm Pink Coat

Okay, I hate to admit it, I get invited to a lot of nice things. I have been blessed to participate in amazing events across Arizona, while meeting people of phenomenal import and impact. Sometimes there are a few clunkers along the way. I’m talking about the occasional stars that don’t burn so bright, nor true. For most of the time, and this is Hand-To-God-Truth, I am witness to the best parts of our community.
Take today for instance, one of the true greats in our city Steve Zabilski invited me to attend a small event where Andrea Bocelli was to visit St. Vincent de Paul’s homeless shelter in downtown Phoenix. I race across the city in my car on most days blasting an odd CD mix of the Italian tenor and David Bowie. The two voices, their perspectives and poetry fuel me. It’s an odd play list that often makes me cry. It’s also private, personal and my secret.
I was so excited to see one of my driving companions in real time that I practically squealed in front of the humble Mr. Zabilski when the invitation was extended. “Jeeze, I would bleach down your dining room tables for an opportunity like that!” I gushed. And, so the deal was set. I was given special instructions where to be at the very early hour of 7:30 in the morning.
Bocelli was on his way out of town, taking his sold out tour to another city, but in honor of his ties with Celebrity Fight Night he would make a small public appearance and dedicate, of all things a basketball court on the St. Vincent de Paul campus. Honestly, I found it hard to believe that he would show up let alone sing, but I was determined to be there if he did!
As I made my way, in a lovely European car no less, to one of our great city’s most burdened areas, I came upon the harsh reality of life on the streets. Scores of homeless people, who call this corner of Phoenix home, lined the street. They were not gathering to hear a great Italian tenor, they were leaving shelter only to greet a particularly cold morning. I felt overwhelmed and ashamed of my riches as I passed by so many men and women stomping their feet while huddled under blankets in an effort to push some heat into their bodies.
With a quick step and averted eyes, I made my way to the St. Vincent de Paul venue where my once-in-a-lifetime experience was waiting for me.
But then the fate of grace presented itself. An older, patrician looking woman, who I am sure was a high-level donor, signified by an assigned seat next to Andrea Bocelli himself, quietly stood up and took off her stunning pink, wool coat with matching Burberry scarf and gently placed on the shoulders of a homeless woman who was standing off to the side searching for a bit of warmth. The two ladies could have been the same age.
As the elegant blonde calmly gave over her coat, she didn’t even bother to remove a splendid gold pin that adorned the lapel. She simply looked the homeless woman in the eye with respect and serenity as if to silently say, “Now this coat is yours.” The well-heeled donor returned to her seat without fanfare and the moment of grace vanished. I don’t think anyone else witnessed this act but me. It was that quick. It was that quiet. It was that marvelous.
Tucked into the wool coat, the homeless woman of diminished means, but not diminished humanity moved on. She was not at the shelter to hear the great Italian tenor. No, she was there to find warmth. And, on this day I found warmth too.
Yes, Andrea Bocelli sang Ave Maria, in an impromptu moment which was stunning. Anyone who was there will carry the moment in their heart forever. We were graced by Bocelli’s talent and moved to tears. But for me, I was even more taken by a simple act of kindness and grace. On a cold day in a cold world a pink wool coat sang to me.
And, that will be something that will always warm me.
From the Heart…