Ever

Ever watch the man pull into wheelchair parking, get out of his car and walk into a store. Ever watch an obese woman eating at a buffet and you think there is just no excuse, Ever see a teenager with piercings standing in a store, you quickly move to another aisle. Ever stand in line for a cashier and tap your feet while the elderly woman counts out her change. Ever look at the woman wearing a hijab and think she is different and cannot be trusted. Ever want to sit down on the bus but some young whipper-snapper does not give up their seat. Ever consider that you may be prejudice and need to carefully examine why you feel that way. Consider this; The man in wheelchair parking has heart disease and cannot walk long distances without developing angina. The obese woman gained weight when she developed arthritis and is no longer able to work-out as she had when she was well. The teenager is kind and thoughtful and was about to ask you if you need help in reaching an item on the shelf, The elderly woman worked hard all her life and is just trying to make the cashier’s life easier by giving her the exact change. The woman wearing the hijab is a kind and caring person who is about to become your physician, The young whipper-snapper on the bus has just been diagnosed with cancer and is too weak to stand for the ride, Ever think that you are making judgement without knowledge or the full facts. No more prejudice, Ever. Written September 9, 2012 For Debbie Guzzi’s contest “Stand”