My sabbatical reinforced a simple truth: everyone has a story, and respect begets respect. As a former lawyer, I learned this firsthand. The seemingly unremarkable woman collecting trash every day was a timber magnate’s widow, her fortune now funds scholarships and curing cancer.
Aging and health scares have amplified this awareness. Too often, obituaries reveal hidden depths: the teacher, a ballroom champion; the milkman, a prolific inventor; the cranky neighbor, a war hero. We reduce people to labels—’bureaucrat,’ ‘felon,’ or worse—ignoring their humanity.
Every individual deserves respect. Labeling is a disservice, a trap we must consciously avoid. How much richer would our community be if we celebrated lives before they ended? Imagine sharing stories of resilience and innovation, fostering connection and understanding.
Take time to listen. Your neighbor, your coworker, the stranger on the bus—each holds a story worth knowing.”
Two ears; one mouth!
Thanks – a good reminder.