Dec30

cast aside.

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(not our real hands, but good for perspective)

mine is the tinkerbelle hand with a minor ‘injury’ and his, the paul bunyan hand with a major trauma.

 waiting in the store checkout line

browsing through my phone

  the man in front of me

laughing and chatting with the cashier

saying it was a challenge to sign the receipt

because of his hand

hearing this

turned to face him

  beginning to take in the situation

(major cast on his arm and hand)

while i quickly blurted out:

“it’s the worst, isn’t it?!”

 whining about having an injury too

he asked me what happened

explaining the battle with my car door

 he had a young daughter with him

 was so kind and gentle with her

laughing and chatting

just as he had done with the cashier

when i asked him what happened

wondering why he had such a big cast

he told me his story

it involved him trying to stop someone

from stealing his fiancee’s car

and

a dog attack

instant perspective shift

 before i could say anything

he turned to go

saying,

“i’m sorry that happened to you and i hope you heal really soon.”

all i could say was, “you too..”

  how fortunate the people in his life are

even the strangers he encounters in his day

 lucky to cross paths with him

this gentle giant

walks softly

teaching huge lessons.

—

“look at you comforting others with the words you want to hear.”

-author unknown

 

 

 

 

 

 

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91 responses »

  2. I knew a girl like that …
    “Do not worry, dear
    Because of you
    My enthusiasm for life
    Shall continue to thrive
    You taught me the benevolence
    Of Existence
    And you showed me how to live graciously
    With your everlasting smile”

    Liked by 4 people

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  27. Beth, your heartfelt recounting of a chance encounter in the store checkout line is touching. The way you captured the essence of compassion and understanding in that moment… Your reflection on the gentle giant and the instant perspective shift serves as a beautiful reminder of the profound lessons that can be found in unexpected encounters. Well done!

    ~David

    Liked by 1 person

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  30. Your post is a friendly reminder for all the negativity in the world that there are far more kind people.

    I especially like your ending: “This gentle giant walks softly teaching huge lessons.”

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  41. Pingback: Podcast Friday! Episode 75: “Cast Aside” with Beth Kennedy – The Heart of the Matter

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