barely noticing him
It was the holiday season
the mall was busy and
I had limited time to grab my items and go
So when I stepped into the small space
I saw... but did not notice
Instead...
I shuffled toward the back of the elevator to look out of the glass window
as we went up another level
There were...
shoppers rushing
sale lights flashing
children waiting in line to give Santa their Christmas wishes
and then...
Beep
Beep
Beep
three beeps followed by an automated...
"Hello"
and as I turned
I saw and finally noticed
a young man in a specialized wheel chair and
a young lady with him talking on her cell phone
and I wondered
how I did not notice him before
why I did not notice him before
because it was so obvious that even though he was experiencing
severe physical challenges, his mind was working fine
and as I looked into his big bright eyes
it seemed as if they were smiling back at me
(and here's where it gets interesting...)
because even though he didn't actually say anything else
I could hear him
as he noticed the look of surprise on my face
and responded...
Yes, I am here
and even though you did not notice me before
I am here
and I forgive you
for stepping
into this space
into this moment
with me
and not bothering to
acknowledge
notice
nod
or even smile and just say...
"Hello"
Click to read... A Field Trip Lesson