During my years as Librarian, I have had to work with people from all walks of life... from the very famous, to the street bums and all of those in between..... As all of this combined with my very deeply abiding love for books and my quest for knowledge, I was simply enjoying doing this from my heart, prepared to go the extra mile in order to assist people to find books and information they needed. In the course of all of this, I have come across the whole spectrum of personalities, identities and behaviours. I have had to be Librarian, Teacher, Doctor, Nurse, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Artist, Writer, Organizer, Entertainer, Cleaner etc. etc. etc. all at once... All of this could make up a whole book on its own, but today I want to share two stories with you, mostly because of the lessons they have taught me.... I remember her clearly. She was a very tall woman, with the physique of a Japanese wrestler, and somehow she looked like one too. The minute she walked into the Library, my very outspoken assistant, (who never shrunk from a challenge and could face a whole army, if needed) turned strangely pale. With sign language she beckoned me into my office... “See that lady over there,” she said “Please don’t ever get on the wrong side of her. She once used her fist on a traffic cop and he flew through the air and ended up in hospital!” Well, I am not the bravest of souls, so I made a point of being nice to the lady, and her little granddaughter, whom she faithfully brought in every Friday for story hour. One day, she asked my assistant if she could see me in my office. My staff member and I looked at each other, wondering if the day would finally come when we would see the other side of her. Instead, she opened her handbag and out came a beautifully wrapped parcel. “Especially for you, to say thank you for your kindness and love. “ She said as she handed this to me. “In all these years I have never come across someone who has treated me with such kindness and I am so very grateful for all of this.” And with that she hurried out of my office, before I could even thank her. I was at loss for words..... I opened the parcel, and inside was the most exquisite porcelain basket filled with pink roses and two white doves hovering on the side.... That was the first lesson in not believing all that others said about others.... and that kindness opens more hearts, than confrontation. One can only understand the plot, if you read a story page to page..... (Judith Kusel)
Posted on: Wed, 09 Apr 2014 05:39:16 +0000
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