Excuse me, I think you have something on your face

Before I begin this week I must take a moment to thank all of you that took time to wish me and my family condolences on the passing of my grandmother. Those thoughts and words have done more than any of you can know to validate to the family how much Memaw meant. As a society we are generally good people. We try to do what’s best, try not to hurt people, and in the end try to get by without causing too many ripples. That being said, there are times when our feet end up in our mouths either because we cannot keep our mouth shut or because we just cannot help trying to fix things. Why is it so hard for us to just mind our own business? We all have our own issues that need to be handled. We all have our own skeletons that we bury in the closet. Oh, screw that, we bury them in the basement then flood it. So I go back to why do we want to fix everybody else instead of just letting people be who they are? Why not let them just figure themselves out on their own? I am writing this so I guess it’s my opinion. I think we feel the need to try and make things around us more like the way we want them. We also find it easier. It is very hard to change ourselves. At least that’s what we have been told our entire lives and when we talk about something enough it usually comes true. Actually, I do believe it is hard to change. We are so comfortable and the least bit of change requires a different action than we are used to doing. This changes our schedule, which then throws us a curve from what we are accustomed. Why would I want to put myself through the pain of changing something with myself when I can just pick something on someone else to fix? When we fix others we deflect our own wrongs onto others and somehow that makes us feel better. We justify our actions because we say we are being helpful, being attentive to others, or it makes us feel superior to those around us. Whatever the reason it usually is wrong. I bring this up because first I am truly guilty of this behavior and secondly I have recently had it happen to me. It has been quite funny but nonetheless people just cannot help wanting to help. Over the past couple of weeks I have developed a skin tag on my upper lip. I am trying to rid myself of it but it seems to like my face. People just want to help and I really find it amusing. The other day I had someone on the campus stop and talk to me. During our conversation they stopped abruptly and asked if I could wipe off my lip because it was distracting them. I’ve also had people continually lick their lips while staring intently at my lip. I think it is a clue but I just get tickled. The best one was the little old lady at the memorial service. I was sitting down enjoying some good company and tasty vittles. The lady walked up to introduce herself and began conversing nicely about the service. As we were gathered in conversation I notice she had a napkin in her right hand. Wait for it….In a shocking twist the lady stopped mid-sentence, licked the napkin, and proceeded to wipe my upper lip with it. I tried to halt her progress but to no avail. She attempted to wipe it off again and after collecting my faculties I was able to inform her that it was not food but skin. What I loved the most is that she was not even embarrassed. She was simply trying to fix me, yes with her own saliva, because I did not fit something in her world. We continued our conversation, me a little stunned by the last 30 seconds, and then we were done. This example is funny but it just allows me to believe how badly we want to help others. Okay, I mean we really just don’t want to mess with ourselves. There are times when we should reach out to people and most of the time if we actually listen they will let us know. I was not offended and you shouldn’t be either. We don’t mean harm we just want what is easy. Looking out is much easier than looking within. The service on Thursday was a great experience for the Heath family. We honored the lady that has allowed us to be who we are today. Honor those that have helped you before they are just a picture on the wall.