
I had already checked out, my friend -as usual- took her time, she was not even near the register. I had time to kill, and I sat down on the bench close to the checkout and watched the people around me. I am in no hurry on Saturdays, I can piddle around as I please.
I hadn’t been feeling well. It had been a bad week, I had been hurting quite a bit, and sitting down felt good. I had been on my feet too long already, my aching joints needed a break. Sometimes the weather makes my RA worse, other times I eat wrong and my immune system reminds me that things are different now. I have the right to take it easy, I can even have a pity party if I feel like it.
I love to watch people. We are an interesting species, so often we tell a story without talking. I saw moms with their kids, who were in desperate need of a vacation -or a drink. (The moms, not the children.) I saw couples holding hands, and others standing apart from each other as far as they could. Buddy language is an interesting thing, there is seldom a wrong interpretation.
And then I saw her. A store employee, an older woman. She was very little, not taller than 4’6″ or 4’7″. She walked from one register to the next and helped wherever she was needed. She rolled the carts away, helped pack the groceries, and wished everybody a good day. She smiled and treated every customer like they were extra special to her.
She walked funny. Her upper body was moving from one side to the other with every step. I saw her legs, they were short and curved sideways at the knees. I bet she was bullied all her life and people made fun of her bow-legged look.
I am not a medical doctor and I don’t know anything about her condition, but I assume she probably had numerous surgeries throughout her life. The way she walked showed her pain, the way she moved and held her head up high also showed pride. I felt terribly guilty.
I don’t know the woman or her history, but I bet she fought hard to be able to walk without any kind of help. I thought about my own struggles and I felt ashamed.
A couple of days ago I complained -again- because I had eaten wrong and my Rheumatoid Arthritis had gifted me in the morning with pain in my ankles and knees. Doable pain, nothing dramatic. I decided to take it easy that day. I whined a bit and groaned, and I felt sorry for myself, while there is a woman, who probably fought all her life to keep on walking as best as she could.
I felt the urge to hug a stranger and did so in my mind. When she came closer I saw her nametag. “Rose, is helping you,” it said and it couldn’t have been more spot on. Not knowingly she had sat my head straight. She had helped me to see things clearer.
I will not complain about walking anymore. I will stop feeling sorry for myself. I will fight and hope I will have the same strengths as Rose.
I had one small surgery on my knee years ago, a ski accident, it has healed perfectly. Nowadays I have problems walking and my feet and ankle hurt me occasionally. It can’t even be close to Rose’s pain. I just know.
Sometimes, life has a way of putting things in perspective. No more whining. I will continue my AIP diet for another 111 days and I will push myself a bit harder.
Thank you, Rose. I wish I could tell you how much you helped me, perhaps one day I will.
Why don’t I buy her a rose the next time I see her working at the registers and hand it to her.
I bet she puts more smiles on people’s faces than she will ever know and I am sure I am not the only one who looked at her and quietly adjusted her attitude.
Yes, Rose has been helping me today!
Perhaps I can return the favor and make her smile!
There are so many wonderful “Roses” in our day to day encounters. We only need to pay attention, as you did, and appreciate God’s messengers. Yes, a rose for Rose!
LikeLike
There are probably many reminders in our day of others who could help us put our troubles into a better perspective, but we have to be open to see them. You were/are, and that’s a valuable quality. Thank you for sharing about Rose. I hope others take a second look at her and see her strength and capacity. Thank. you for the valuable story, Bridget.
LikeLike
Such a powerful share this is Bridget. Good for you to take in the moment and use it as a teaching moment. I do hope you are feeling a bit better in coming days.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am feeling alright, that’s better 🙂
LikeLike
A very sensitive story. You did well on your rest time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I assume I needed the rest time to regroup. Thank you, Derrick.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some people just doing what they do everyday can be so inspiring. A great story about Rose. I hope you went back and gave her that flower some day.
LikeLike
We never know who is watching us. The example of how we live our lives can be very powerful. It is hard to be positive when one has physical pain. Rose sounds like someone who is an inspiration!
LikeLike
I can empathise with this story. Throughout my life, whenever I have thought could anything be worse, I have encountered people dealing with far worse situations than I am. In their own way, they have given me strength to face my fears and to appreciate what I have. I raise my metaphorical hat to both Rose and to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I needed to watch her that day. I know others have it worse, but witnessing it for some time, made a big difference. I could see her attitude and her willingness.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a touching story! Praise to Rose and others like her who brighten our day with their inner light!
LikeLiked by 1 person
“Inner light” so true!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t it marvellous how a fleeting experience can have such a lasting effect!
LikeLiked by 2 people
If you plan it, it couldn’t have been placed better or at a better time. Little reminders to not take myself to serious.
LikeLiked by 1 person
An occasional grounding is good for us!
LikeLike
What a lovely story! Rose indeed was helping you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, she was. Thank you, Dorothy.
LikeLiked by 1 person