When our tour group was at Angkor Wat, I was walking with a woman named Astrid. We saw a couple of little Cambodian girls happily playing. Astrid took their photo. Neither they nor their mother, sweeping nearby, asked for money as people in some countries would. Astrid turned back and gave them a $US5 note, handing it to the older girl. As Astrid walked away, the younger girl — a happy, laughing child — ran after Astrid and asked for a $5 for her. Astrid said, “No, share”. Fair enough.
I wish I had quietly given Astrid $5 to give to the little girl. I regret that that I did not. I did not because I did not think of it soon enough. I so often do not think of things soon enough. So the moment passed. I had an opportunity to give that child happiness and I missed it. I regret that.
Why am I so slow?
Later I saw her again, laughing and happy, running around.
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