My former boss Arthur Jayasundera is in the process of editing my followup book Divine Connections. Arthur was my boss many decades ago. We lost touch and got re-connected through mutual friends miraculously.

I was encouraged when I was given a deadline by him to write a summary of my first book ‘Teera a life of Hope and fulfillment in order for him to continue editing.

For quite a while I worked diligently on it , but by the day of 6/19/17 I was overwhelmed in doubt if I had covered all areas in order to paint a clear picture for those who would read the follow-up book ‘Divine Connections” but hadn’t read the first book ‘Teera A life of Hope and fulfillment.

I said to myself I should sleep on the summary for few more days as my co-author Patrick often advised me.

However, I got a print out of the summary and left the office undecided where I would be heading. These days I go with the flow something I got accustomed even more since my memoir was published. I needed to be at a place where I could reflect in Peace. I got on the subway train still unsure where I wanted to go.Suddenly it dawned on me the perfect place would be the beach. It’s an awesome place to connect with Nature when troubled by uncertainty.

I transferred to the Expo train to Santa Monica, walked past the peer, put my shoes in my backpack, took a nice slow stroll by the ocean soaking my feet with cool water, breathing fresh air with an enormous feeling of peace and tranquility, and loving every moment in gratitude for the freedom and the opportunity to be there. It was getting quite warm so I stopped by the Bloomingdale mall and went to a fast food restaurant to get myself a snack with the intention of sitting down at a quiet place for a few minutes.

While I was waiting, a young gentleman who stood in front of me in line, turned around and asked me what I was planning to order. We both looked at the board. I said I would order a small fries and get myself some water. His name is Derris Nile, and he claimed that he doesn’t eat unhealthy food, and showed me the “special” on the menu which was a good meal for a very reasonable price. I told Derris it looks good and that I would like to try it, but since I am not that hungry would he like to share it with me. He agreed but said he would have to eat outside because he had his dog Phoenix tied to a tree.

Derris then added that he became homeless many times because he was not willing to part with Phoenix.

I turned around and saw cute little Phoenix looking in our direction waiting anxiously for his best buddy. Their love for each other touched my soul deeply.

The waiter served our meal kindly showed us to a corner where the three of us could sit. Long story, in brief, the young man said, his name is Derris, and revealed to me he is a dancer, actor, singer and a songwriter. He is looking forward to being a producer in the near future.

While we were sharing our meal he told me he wrote his heart out in 20 songs. He said he doesn’t like to write, however, he wrote a book with the title” Attitude of Gratitude”. Awe! I thought it was incredible as we now have something important in common, GRATITUDE! I knew he would be the perfect person to give me a feedback on the summary.

I pulled it out from my backpack instantly and handed it to him. Derris kept reading it without a blink. After a little while, I said to him, “your food is getting cold”. He raised his head and said, “this is so captivating, I cannot take my eyes off it, I cannot put it down”. After finished reading it Derris said to me, “Teera, I have written many scripts, and read many, but have never come across one that captured my attention like this one”. I was overjoyed to hear him say those words!

Then he added ” Teera, looking at you it is impossible to say you have gone through so much. You are smiling!”.

Derris looked very burdened when he said to me that he was waiting to hear from a lady who he was hoping to rent a place to live with Phoenix. He got a call while we were chatting. I was so glad to see his face brighten up and happy as he said with a smile that the lady was willing to rent the apartment to both of them. He seemed so relieved. He said he was so exhausted having to move his luggage from place to place as he and Phoenix were homeless at the time.

Awe! I said to myself. Ultimate sacrifice! pure Love.

Derris trusted me to watch Phoenix and the luggage, while he left for few minutes to clean up. Within about two hours he revealed to me a few stories of his many struggles. He is a humble survivor and certainly seemed to have the potential to make it in the entertainment world. A young artist who was injured by family and society struggling in the City of Angeles to follow his dream. He left home at 17 to distant himself from the unhealthy environment and hostile atmosphere, to avoid drama and move forward in order to follow his dream.

He has a compelling story to share with the world but will wait until the TIME IS right… He seemed so sincere. We took the same train back home newly energized, and I was feeling so at peace by the time I got off the train. It was a gratifying, uplifting encounter. Derris had a big smile when he revealed that it seemed like forever since he is opened up to somebody, and felt like a burden was lifted off his shoulders. I told him that I know the feeling. When my story was released, A HEAVY LOAD WAS LIFTED OFF ME.

He got a glimpse of my story and saw my strength despite all the vulnerabilities!!! Most of my life’s inspirations came to me from strangers and teenagers. Over time we learn which hand to shake and which one to hold.

SADLY OFTEN WE CHOOSE TO BE STRANGERS!

We should make every effort to keep the Oceans and our environment clean so people can connect with nature and enjoy simple pleasures!

The Universe certainly has a way of connecting the right people at the right TIME. Listening is an act of LOVE! Write your heart out. people might read your story and be inspired.

In God’s LOVE,

Teera