Unseen

I was encouraged to use a walker or cane in public after my major back surgery. The physical therapist who was helping me regain balance and strength for walking explained that others would be more considerate around me if they saw an assistive device. Thankfully, I was able to walk without a cane before my six month follow up appointment with my surgeon. I still felt a little safer with one on a walk where a dog might jump on me or uneven pavement could cause me to trip, but I was encouraged by the doctor to wean myself off of my cane, so I did.

April 2019, three months after my surgery

When I saw the neurosurgeon a year after surgery, my walking was observed and the comment was made that only a doctor who was looking for problems would notice anything unusual. I explained that while I realize and am thankful that I appear to be “all better,” no step that I take feels like a normal step did prior to surgery. The physical challenges that came with the removal of a tumor-encased nerve from my spinal canal are unseen to the general public.

April 2020

During this COVID19 pandemic, we are being called upon to act in ways that protect other people as well as ourselves, each one of us doing our part to reduce the risk of illnesses and death. I appreciate the guidelines that are being presented by our state’s leaders regarding how my actions make a difference, and we have been following those practices. Now, as more stores and businesses are permitted to re-open, the decisions that each of us makes about social distancing, wearing a face cover, washing our hands, avoiding large gatherings, and limiting our going out will help to shape the future. I believe this and am willing, though not excited, to wear a mask when I go into a place of business. I will feel safer and trust that I am helping others to be safe.

I hope I can recognize friends and neighbors who are wearing masks

But, there is another way that I need to think about others. Each person I meet may have an unseen challenge that makes it difficult or impossible for him or her to comply to recommended practices in a pandemic. This point was made today in our governor’s news conference when he told Ohioans that he is listening and understands the challenges that some folks face in the face of face covering. He, I believe wisely, backed down on mandating that every person who enters an establishment wear a mask, strongly encouraging those who can do so to cover their mouth and nose.

I’ve heard it said that everyone we meet is fighting a hard battle so we should BE KIND. Sometimes our difficulties are visible. Often they are not. Some battles are physical; some are emotional. Haven’t we all put on a happy face as we held great pain or fear inside?

I anticipate times when I will feel frustrated by another person’s apparent lack of consideration for my well being. But I will choose to smile, even if my smile is unseen.

Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4