WORDS

Have you ever thought about the words you use or call someone?

Today I went to see my dad and the new sitter was there with him. I could tell that she is a very caring person. She had just gotten his clean Depends and pants on and then changed his shirt. She washed his face and combed his hair and then she said, Ok Darlin’, let me help you up. I said, boy I bet you feel really pampered, and he said, “I do.” I then said, and especially these names they call you and my dad said, “but they don’t mean it.” I asked Henrietta if she heard what he said and she said yes and I do mean it. My dad grinned. Yes, he’s 89 and loving all the pampering he is getting.

We need to be so careful of how we treat others, and I’m so guilty about being so outspoken and the words just flow out of my mouth. But, I’m trying to “think” before I “speak.” Yes, I’ve had my feelings hurt over some “hurtful names” and it has made me stop and take account of myself. I need to be a better friend. I need to say comforting and helpful things and not say anything mean. Even if I’m kidding—I need to stop before something comes out that I will regret later. Sometimes I think I need to be like I was when I was a kid—never opening my mouth to say anything. My mother was of the opinion that “children should be seen and not heard” and I wasn’t about to dispute her opinion!

Everyday when I wake up, I realize that our time here on earth is so short. We need to live each day like it is our last—because the way people drive it could very well be our last! Be careful of the things you say. If someone is mean to you, maybe they’re just having a bad day. Those are the people you need to be especially kind to. We really don’t know the problems that someone else may be going through and when we ask, “how are you?”, do we really want to know…. I’m sure you have had the same experience that I have had when I answer, all of a sudden that person is not even looking at me anymore and I could walk away and they would never even notice.

Be good to somebody today. Call a friend today and tell them what they mean to you—that may be just the encouragement they need.

Dr
10/27/11