There’s this nameless man I met one day at work.
Our interaction tells very little about him, and much about me.
At the time I was 15+ years a bus driver, and have never liked being part of the in crowd if that meant the exclusion of others. I approached all the new hires to welcome them, and tell them I am here for them. I know people who can help them figure out what to do, including me.
One such person’s reaction to my friendly greeting was to ask me if I was “running for office”
I immediately decided to forget his name, and wish him all the worst he has coming to him.
NOTE: I confess this, it brings me shame to admit it.
16 years later, my grudge still intact, despite all my supposed self growth, I was speaking with his wife, who expressed, on his behalf, regret at having said it.
Not an hour later, I saw him, called out to him, and broached the topic. “I know, she told me about this just now, I’m sorry” but he also noted that I had a good a very memory.
What a gracious response! He explained himself in terms of his own self awareness, as an introvert, and one who can be a Dick at times. He was so remorseful I wanted to break Covid19 protocols and embrace him.
He gently healed me a little, with the help of his wife. Which reminds me, next time I see him, I need to apologize, and commend him.
How many others out there live in my trash can, thrown there because of some comment in the moment?
Running Down Vimy 