We look at the world through our own experiences and perceptions.  What we have experienced, what we see, and what we think is unique. Just as everyone else is unique. You and a friend can be so close but still see life in a different way. The way we look at life can be as a beautiful life or one that is misshapen. If you want to see a beautiful world you must make the effort to clear your own thinking of what you perceive the world to be. Clear out judging everything or everyone around you. Find the beauty within life and don’t make any judgments on anything you know nothing about.  You can never know what someone has gone through unless you have been in their mind and walked in their shoes.  Stick to creating your life and not practice assumptions of someone else’s.

Mom and I were sitting in the waiting room waiting for Dad. We sat and drank our coffee and watched people while waiting. An older gentleman walked by and Mom leaned over and whispered, “Did you see his hair? Do you really think he likes it that way? Oh my!”

I looked at the man and just saw a man, minding his own business, and enjoying life.  I smiled knowing how Mom gets when she is worried about Dad. I leaned over and whispered, “Maybe he does like his hair, Mom. Maybe he thinks your hair isn’t that great either but to each his own.”

She thought for a minute. “Who made you so…so…wise.  It sure wasn’t your father!”   Another person went by.  She was an elderly woman with white hair but the same style as Mom’s. “I really like HER hair.”

“It looks just like yours, Mom.”

“Oh no it doesn’t. It’s white and curlier.”

“Do you like your hair, Mom?”

“I don’t.  I want hair like…that other guy.”

“The one you said you didn’t like?”

“Yeah.  Maybe if I had his hair I could be as oblivious as him.”

Oh, man…Mom…  I couldn’t wait for Dad to get out of surgery so that Mom would come back to being her old self…the sweet, kind Mom with the spunk…not the bite bite ouch ouch Mom whenever she’s worried.

Her perception of life changes when she is worried about something.  I have learned many a lesson when it comes to observing my parents and what I choose to think and react to.  Worry hasn’t been in my vocabulary or mind for years and I thank my mom for helping me with that particular perception in life. Perception is everything. :)

“You have good hair, Bethie.”

“Thanks Mom.”

“I think the color looks good on you.”

“Thanks Mom.”

“Have you ever thought about going a little darker?”

“No, Mom.  I like my color.”

“I do too.  It’s not as clowny like…” She whispers, “You know who.”

“Thanks Mom…I think.”

The switchboard calls me over.  “Your dad’s out of surgery and doing fine.  You can go up to his room in ten minutes.”

I sat back down and told Mom.  “Isn’t that nice, Bethie?  She let us know.”  She breathed a sigh of relief.

“Sorry about my meanness, Bethie.”

“No worries, Mom.  Dad’s doing well.”

“You love me, don’t you?”

“I do, Mom.  More than you’ll ever know.”

She took my hand.  “I LOVE your hair.  But that man’s hair…”

I smiled.  “Stop while you’re ahead, Mom.”

She laughed.  “Want to go get something in the cafeteria?”

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