Everyone’s different, and yet most go through ups and downs throughout their lives. Some good, some bad, lots in between, and all of it personal. That alone should be enough to convince most that we’re all sort of equal. Anyone feeling superior to others doesn’t understand that, or care. As good as something is, there’s always better; and as for the bad, there can always be worse. Nobody should be so full of themselves that they don’t see or understand that. When I cut the tips of two fingers off, the paramedics and doctors that first night at the hospital told me it could have been so much worse; to me, of course, at that point nothing could have been worse. Since then, I’ve joined a private FB group for and about finger and hand amputees – and every day I see and realize how lucky I am and what worse could have been. And it’s that way about everything – people walking around feeling bad for themselves… it’s up to the rest of us to care, to listen, to cheer them up, to help then discover different perspectives, and to be there when needed. They may not know or realize it, but you should, so be aware, be patient, be kind, be there. If they open up, you’re there; if not, give them time and your patience. The most important person is the one who’s there when someone needs them. Get ready for that by realizing that your true life is the one you end up with, whatever that may be. Just do the best you can with what you’ve got. And then help someone realize that today.
Anne Tyler (born 1941): American novelist, short story writer, literary critic, and Pulitzer Prize winner.
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