at the hospital

I went to the hospital, bringing our housekeeper, to see the skin specialist after she had done something to her skin to aggrevate an allergy - creating such ugly and worriying rash, spreading through out her body... I just left her prescription at the pharmacist's window, waiting to be billed.

It was a busy day, and it took a while. All seats were occupied. I didn't really have much choice but sat in front of this lady and her daughter. They looked unkempt. I am such a snob that i looked down on them... thinking how they didn't take the effort to dress up, like the lady didn't clean up well... her dress weren't pressed properly.. her scarf did not match and more horrible thoughts....

As i was sitting there... I looked at the lady and her daughter closely. Having said they were not 'properly' dressed... i noticed the kid had more discipline than other kids properly dressed (beautifully and more expensive) in the hospital at that time. She sat properly, quietly. She hugged her mum, because she gave her a sweet from her tatty bag.

The lady and her daughter exchanged glances, hugs, kisses. it was genuine. It wasn't one of those hugs kids give you because they want something in return!!! I was humbled... I quickly appologised (in my head)... I realised I was a snob.. judging the exterior without knowing what's inside...

I am sure the lady would not want to be in a situation where she is not at her best... where she cannot give her children the best,.. but i suppose, that was the best she could afford at the moment... I felt so ashamed of being a snob. I never did realise i could be one of those people i loathed to be!!!

I then was forced to think back to my childhood... Though I wasn't as 'poor' as the lady and her child appeared to be, but i was far from being affluent. There were times, I wanted things but was too expensive. There were times i wanted to join in school trips, but knew it would be a ridiculous thing to ask. But all these times, I never had a friend saying to me... I am sorry you are poor and unable to join us....

To the lady and daughter at the pharmacist... I am truly sorry... I learnt a valuable lesson... You made me realise, there are always things within ourselves that we can improve and change, if we take the time to reflect... Thank you..