Be Kind, seems so simple.

Today a business acquaintance came in to my office and as he stood in front of me I saw something in his eyes that I don't think I had ever seen before.  This man is a tough man, a tell it like it is type of guy that I would say could be a real jerk if he really wanted to be.  Over the years, there was only one time in that I can say I knew something must have been bothering him outside of normal business stuff but today was a little different.  He came in today to ask me for help.  His mother took care of his books, payroll and anything financially related since he opened his business over 20 years ago.  Today he was trying to cut checks, invoice jobs and do sales tax because his mom was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.  As he stood in front of me and explained her situation and how it has already spread too far for any real treatment, he couldn't look at me anymore.  This man didn't want me to see how upset he was.  I start to cry but then pull it together because I know he is trying very hard not to let it all go himself.  Of course I told him that I would help in any way I could and I know that his business has been tough the last year so when he told me he can't afford much I explained that I don't need anything.... that really was the farthest thing on my mind.  He is a small business owner with just a couple of employees so in all reality he is telling the absolute truth and right now, in that moment the last thing he needed to think about was how to pay me for a couple of hours here and there.  He turned to walk out and simply thanked me for listening to him.  All I did was listen, something so simple to do but to him this seem to make a difference in his day.

On the way home tonight this car behind me was going crazy, trying to pass everyone they could and scaring the crap out of me at times.  As he passed a row of cars, the car in front of me decided that he was going to chase this car down.... Complete road rage!  I couldn't help but think that someone was going to get hurt, or even shot by the time this is all over.  My mind started wondering off into, why was this car in such a hurry and how I always got a good laugh when we all end up at the stop light at the same time :)  It was then that  the original crazy driver pulled into the hospital and then the car chasing him started to pull in but then I guess realized what was going on and decided not to pursue the road rage?  Ok, this isn't the typical fast driver story, passing everyone just to get to the hospital but it did get me thinking how no one knew what was going on with this driver.  You just automatically assume they are being an ass or just irresponsible.   I always wonder why people are in such a hurry, nothing is worth risking your life over.  Or I think slow down, it is really not that serious but today was different, it gets you really thinking more about what people are actually going through.

Some people have a really easy time not letting anyone know what is going on in their lives.  Then the other side of that is the people that want to shout it from the roof tops and tell everyone what is going on and then some.  Today was just another reminder of why you can't judge a book by it's cover.  These types of situations happen all time, and they constantly remind me that things may not be what they seem.  We all have different battles on a daily basis that we are fighting. It is a part of life. This goes back to one of my posts where I said it is much easier to smile to someone than to not smile at all.  A smile can make someones day, It has made mine many times!  Same theory, being kind to someone, listening to them or simply smiling can make a world of difference.  It is so simple and easy in the grand scheme of things, don't you think?