A few days ago, I had an encounter with a shoemaker who left me feeling like an ingrate. Inspite of it all, I'd like to share with my readers this little big lesson.
I had left home carrying a shoe in my handbag that I obviously forgot to clean at least. I had not carried my quick polish either. I was compelled to stop by a shoemaker's shop briefly. Honestly , there was no way I was going to wear the shoe in question because I no longer had the feet for wearing shoes. Who was I kidding with the shoe polishing bit? I wore open toe flats and was still struggling to walk so it really made no sense.
Once he took my shoes and began polishing, he probably saw the look on my face and asked if I was okay. Wow! He was so observant, I thought. For some weird reason, instead of wearing clothes to cover my scary legs, disability had not stopped me from flaunting my once beautiful legs that now looked scary, nice or ugly depending on how you choose to look at it. Well, nothing had changed, my legs won't fit into trousers I find appealing, I would rather not bother though covering up would have really helped avoiding having to explain to the world what happened to my legs.
'Oh your legs. What happened to them?' He asked. My face must have looked ashen, gazing at him. Obviously, he got the message but instead of shutting his mouth and minding his own business, he ceased the chance to urge me on. Telling me I would be fine and encouraging me not to let my condition weigh me down. He told me whatever I was going through could not limit me: I could still do anything . He told me I would be all right. He kept talking till I almost forgot why I had gone to his shop. He finally handed me my shoes and I thanked him for his free services because he hadn't bothered to take a dime from me although I insisted. This was a man with his left leg amputated trying to make sure I was cheered up even in my distress.
He left me with so much thinking to do. It was timely. Seeing someone in a situation worst than yours trying to make meaning out of life instead of drowning in sorrow and self pity, felt like I was such an ingrate. Always murmuring about my recent challenge instead of celebrating the times when I could probably walk properly. He walked with crutches but here I was, getting inspired, motivated and dreamy.
How many times haven't we been in situations where we probably looked down on ourselves or felt helpless due to our physical or mental state? Well at church on Sunday when I saw lots of females in stilettos , I wondered when I would wear one again too. If a man could tell me to keep going even in his condition then you and I would be such fools to let our disabilities , temporary situations and any other form of challenge get to us.
You cannot drown in self pity. Get dreamy.
Step out, the world is waiting to meet you.
You could also be someone's source of hope, livelihood and inspiration. Don't let your flaws,disabilities or current situation cage you. You can still make at least a small dot in your world.
I know I haven't posted anything new in a while.
Writing hiatus due to circumstances beyond my control.
Thanks for all the well wishes...really appreciate.
