Even though you think you haven't done it, you have.
Everyone at some point their lives has judged.
Someone at the store, someone waiting for the bus, the person driving in front of us. We have all done it.
I I had just started my new job a couple of weeks ago and was still getting used to the routine and the residents there. I remember it like it was yesterday. I went to pour this lady a cup of tea and She took a strip out of me. I had done the unthinkable,I reached across in front of her to get her cup and she scolded me for doing I that.
In that moment, in that second I judged her.
A couple of days later I was going around doing my evening med pass and I came across her room. I stood there and thought to myself I am just going to get in and get out as quick as I can, that way I don't I have to really deal with her or talk to her. I walked into her room and gave her meds and plastered on a smile and was turning to leave when she started a conversation. She asked if I was from Barrie and I said yes. She asked if I had lived here my whole life and I said yes, well actually always around the area. I listed off a couple places finishing with Cookstown.
And that was it.
We had made a connection.
She had also lived in Cookstown and much to both of our surprise we had both lived on the same street. I must have been in there for a good 30 minutes just talking to her. And every time she had a visitor and she saw me she was only too excited to let them know that I was the girl that lived on the same street as her. Our friendship grew over time and I enjoyed our evening talks and getting to know her and her family.
Sadly at the beginning of January she passed away.
Before she passed away I talked to her one night. I told her that I remember the first time I met her and how I thought she was a crotchety old woman (she used different word which I won't repeat!) and I said to her how now I cherish our friendship and how I will never reach across the table again. She smiled and we had a good laugh and I hugged her. It was the last time I saw her.
She used to make these pot scrubbers and She gave me one at Christmas time this past year. It sits on my shelf. Unused. In perfect condition. It sits there as a reminder. A reminder not to judge.
We have all done it. We have all judged.
Instead of passing judgement take that extra second, that extra minute and open that book. Turn the pages and get to know the book. I am and will always be grateful to this woman for teaching this life long lesson.
Never judge a book by its cover.
