Day 68 -Unexpected Lessons Learned - May 16th
This journey so far has come with many interesting experiences. These 68 days have had plenty of high roads lined with miracles and blessings that never could have been expected, and that have lifted my life to heights only these experiences could have brought. I have never felt so humbled and loved than at this time of my life, as there have been so many that have unselfishly reached out given of their love in so many ways. I also know how invaluable the love and support of my family can be, which I am forever indebted and grateful for.
This journey has had it's share of twists and turns along the way. Some of the experiences I've been through have been expected, although not looked forward to, many however have brought lessons I never expected. I would like to share a couple of those
this evening.
When I first returned home, with no hair and having to wear my mask whenever I had encounters with real people. (Yes, Robert counts as real, but he lovingly committed not to run away),
I was acutely aware of what I thought were my oddities. I truly felt that I was scary to children, that I didn't quite fit in anymore. I heard mothers having to quiet their children's questions as I passed them in the store, and began to realize what someone who had true handicaps might feel as they also might hear those whispers.
Lesson 1 for me: Treat those with differences in the same way I would treat a good friend. I don't need to avoid contact or questions, and I can genuinely offer help in any way with lots of smiles. Now I realize many of you already do these things comfortably but I think that sometimes I have felt awkward in some of the contact I have had.
Even though I count this as a good lesson learned, a little more seasoning has brought me a little more understanding. My daughter has always assured me that there was no fear in the eyes of my grandchildren. That they loved and accepted me no matter what, she has even encouraged me to bear the bare head proudly!(an offer I have declined on most occasions) As time has passed, I have seen the truth of her statement, I can wear hair or hat, I can be masked or not, and they still call me grandma, the sweetest name on earth. With that support I have felt a change in me, I no longer need to feel as awkward wearing my mask in public situations. I am finding that interactions with people and especially children are less awkward when I act like myself. When I'm happy and reach out the barriers that I perceived melt away.
Lesson 2 for me: A mask can hide my smile, but not my eyes, and I need to let those smile a lot more!😁
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