I hate rudeness!!!!!!
I hated not being greeted when I walked into Panerra today.
I hated waiting in line to buy bagels when the girl behind the counter looked at me with a blank stare on her face while she was mixing a drink. I'm not sure if she could speak, because she never acknowledged me.
I hated it when the boy behind the counter walked away when I made eye contact.
I hate having to, in my nice voice, ask to be helped. Help for me and the other's standing in line.
I hated even more when I had to change my attitude when this precious girl with Down Syndrome came from behind the counter. She was dancing with her arms in the air moving them from side to side in a non rhythmic way all while singing under her breath. Did I mention that my heart melted and the anger inside of me went away. It was her smile that did it! It was a contagious smile and it prompted me to ask Heidi what she was singing and why she was so happy . She said, "Miley Cyrus, Oh she's my favorite". She went on to say.....I have her on my Ipod in the break room and I wasn't going to work until I finished listening to her song. She sounded just like a typical 13 year old talking about her music and her Ipod. She continued to dance while she moved on to a table of three other people. I couldn't help but watch her and listen to what she was saying to them. As I stood there waiting for my bagels I carefully watched the facial expressions of the table of three. Heidi was trying to engage them with the same conversation and they were scared to death. It was so hard for me not to ask Heidi for help so I could take her away from those mean people. I wanted so badly to ask her to show me where I could get a napkin. I wanted to protect her from any rejection she might feel. I felt like a mother who needed to run to the rescue. Thankfully I didn't, because she did just fine. She didn't need my help.
So...back to me saying I hate rudeness. Maybe I perceived the typical Minnesota hospitality as being rude. Maybe it's the way I am feeling today...a little homesick.
Maybe..... I need to sing and dance and put on a happy face even when I don't feel like I want too.
7 comments:
shannon, i always think of you as singing and dancing with a happy face. you are an inspiration!!! i love that you weren't afraid to talk to heidi!!!
l,d
ps i think you hit the nail on the head when you mentioned fear. imo, fear is often mistaken for rudeness.
First of all, could you hear me laughing my head off at your comment about how to find out if my neighbors are at their house?!?! HILARIOUS! Secondly, I hate seeing people with different abilities (I hate the word "disabilities) being treated like 2nd class citizens. I had a little girl with Down's in my class for a while one year, and we ALL were absolutely heartbroken when she moved schools. My other kindergarteners didn't seem to notice that she was different, or if they did, they sure didn't act like it. She was all of our favorite, and her personality was too fun. If I saw people treating her the way those people treated the sweet girl at Panera, I'd come unglued, and like you, would probably try to find an excuse to save her. Have a super week!
Isn't it funny how God put events, people, or atmospheres in our presence when we need them. It is only REALLY amazing when you experience them in the way you described. I don't usually go spiritual, but I couldn't help myself.
To answer your questions from the post to my blog: Training is going well. Ran 19 miles in the snow by my lonesome. It was horrible, but I did it and I now know I can do it!!! It was the longest I have ever run. Shoes are holding up great, and I am still bummed that you, Pete, and the boys won't make it for the Pig.
hey shann. just so you know - i LOVE the version of "thy word" on your blog...i love coming here just to listen......and second - isn't it C-R-A-Z-Y how much our choice of attitude has to do with our attitude??? or the environment or what is happening can change our attitude in a BLINK!! i had the same thing happen to me today..i was in SUCH a crabby mood....BUT, once i DECIDED to WALK about 2 miles to see my grandparent's and visit with them, i felt SO MUCH BETTER!! AND they did too!! they got to see miss annaleigh and have HER talk to THEM...i loved watching and laughing with them as their whole day changed too - just by me surprising them and knocking on their door.......so - we just never know what kind of effect we can have on others - or ourselves - and when it comes down to it.....it is all up to US!!! (as HARD as that is sometimes)....hope you have a better day..
Thank you. I am having a good day today because the sun is shining and the snow is melting. I talked to two of my friends on the phone and e-mailed another. I got news that my parents are coming up for a visit during our Spring Break so I have something to look forward too. Today is a Great Day!!!!!! I know how much Annaleigh's grandparents enjoyed your visit. You should do that more often!
I try not to make you mad, but I'm so totally-awesome that sometimes I must be difficult to get along with. Sorry.
Luckily, you love me sooo much that you keep coming back for more of BIG DADDY! :)
I'm still laughing my ass off.
Post a Comment