The World Is Moving Too Fast – STOP And Breathe

Sometimes, we need a life changing event to happen to us before we get that wake-up call.  Last week, during our 'Tanks'Giving Food Drive, I witnessed greatness from all Central Maine communities.  It truly was touching.  I also witnessed one...just one incident...that deeply saddened me and I can't seem to shake it.  I have had 5 days to process this event and my emotions have changed slightly towards it.

First, let me share the situation that has consumed my mind.  We were set up in front of the grocery entrance at Wal-Mart in Augusta.  An elderly disabled veteran was nicely pulled over waiting for a car to vacate the closest handicap spot.  This veteran had his blinker on and was waiting nicely out of the way.  Anybody could pull around him.  Suddenly, like a bat outta hell, a young lady pulled up (talkin on her cell) and she had to break to avoid hitting him and pedestrians.  At that moment, she blared her horn and screeched her tires as she took off around him.

This young 'diva', parked her car and walked into the store...laughing on her cell phone.  You can't convince me that she was in such a hurry that her actions were excusable.  To blare your horn at a disabled veteran and then laugh so nonchalantly without a care in the world that you humiliated someone.

When someone blares their horn, whether at me or someone around me, it jumps me and makes my heart race unnecessarily.  It makes me briefly feel uneasy.  I'm sure this is a natural response for many.

What was this lady's hurry?  A car seat.  She blared her horn at an elderly disabled veteran...for a car seat.

So, this is where I ask you to slow down.  Be aware of your surroundings.  Be mindful.  Be courteous.  This young lady probably isn't aware of her actions and how they negatively effected people.  It's those things that we do in 'autopilot' that we need to be most aware of.  During this month of November, as we approach 'Thanksgiving'...this is the perfect time to focus on those things (Slowing down, mindful, courteous).

You know when you're having a bad day and you think to yourself 'what did I do to deserve this?'...it might be something you did while in 'autopilot'.  Karma is a crazy crazy thing.

To the Veteran:  Thank you for your service.  I appreciate you.