Wednesday, January 14, 2009

This Is My Day - I'm gonna enjoy it!!!!

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Today is my SITS day! I received a letter from Heather over at The Secret Is In The Sauce last week that my turn will be soon. I've waited and waited for so long, I can't believe the day is here. I am doing my favorite Happy Dance! Whooo Hooo!!! I am so excited that I get to meet new fellow bloggers - Welcome, Ladies from SITS and my dear readers, old and new!! I hope you'll stick around for today's story.

So, I went to work today (actually it is yesterday because it's early Tuesday morning now) and it was kind of a difficult day for me. (For the people who read my blog for the first time today, I am a receptionist at a salon.) I was looking at the computer screen and checking to see what our appointments will be like tomorrow. The front door opened up and a lady came in. She said she wanted to get pedicure and manicure. I didn't see her face clearly at first, but as she approached the desk, my heart sunk. Her face was badly burned. I tried not to show any expression, but I was crying inside. It is none of my business, I know. Pity is probably the last thing the lady would want from me. I smiled and took her name and brought her to the spa chair. I asked her if she wanted to drink something, but she said, "No, I'm fine." She smiled and thanked me.

An hour later, the nail tech who did the lady's nail gave me the ticket and ran to the back room. I asked the lady if everything was good and she said, "Oh it was great, thank you." She left the salon with a smile. I went to the back room and there I found my co-worker sobbing. She said it was too painful for her to see the customer's face and she couldn't take it. I gave her a big hug and I could only say it's okay to cry...

After I came back to the front desk, I thought about my friend in Japan who got married a long time ago. My friend and her fiance was set to get married, but six months before their wedding, the fiance got in a huge car accident and was severely injured. It was so horrible that his face was unrecognaizable.

She was not sure if she could be with him. She was having tough time looking at his face and it was really, really painful for her to see him like that. You love someone and you think you'd spend the rest of your life with him. But sometimes, things that are out of your control happen and it could change your life. She was honest about it. Then one day, he told her that she should be with someone else. She deserves better than him.

That's when she realized that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. She knew right then she can't be with anyone else, but him. Fianlly, what he looked like on the outside didn't matter to her. She was able to see what was under his skin, the guy she fell in love with. They are still together, happily married.

I can't deny that the day like today will stay on my mind for a long time. It sinks deeply in my heart. But I think when I meet people like today's client and realize they have the courage to live their lives as normal as they can and move forward, what I can do at least is to see them for who they are without feeling sorry for them. It's tough and hard, but I want to smile and look in their eyes when I say, "Hello!"

My question today: What would you feel and do when you encounter a situation like today at my work?

Have a wonderful Wednesday, everybody!!!

xoxo

136 comments:

rebel said...

Congratulations on bein' the featured blogger of the day. You have a nice blog, I've enjoyed lookin' around. Have a great day!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Girl! First time to your blog and it's wonderful :)

Valerie said...

Hi Maki, congrats on your blog being saucy!! Yay!

I have actually got a friend I have known since I was 13 who was burnt when he was a child. I remember the first time I met him my cousin brought him into our bedroom while we were asleep and then proceeded to wake us all up. It was then that he introduced us to Scott (along with about 3 other guys). Scott's whole face was burnt from his forehead down. We (my sisters and I) were mortified, because we thought we looked bad. No makeup, in our pj's and bed head. lol

Scott and his brother are a part of our family now. I don't even see his face. He is one of the best people you will ever meet. When I see other burn victims I really don't notice it much. I always make sure to look them in the eyes and smile.

I think what you did was right. They only want to be treated like you would treat everyone else. It does break my heart but I try to remember that they are thankful that they are alive. They usually have the best attitude too. Or at least that's what my friend says. lol

jori-o said...

It is sad when you see people's scars, but inspiring at the same time when they keep on keepin' on.

Congrats on your sauciness! =)

Laura said...

I try to teach my kids to look people in the eye, and smile and say hello...no matter what...burns, birth marks, whatever...and to not be afraid. They are people. Just like us.

I try to teach myself the same...

found my way to you through SITS...

debi9kids said...

What a beautiful and thought provoking post.
Looking forward to reading more on your blog.
Happy SITSday!

The Rambler said...

WHAT!! Maki, so fricking happy your the FEATURED BLOGGER!!!!!! Kiss, kiss.

As for the question. In the hospitality industry you meet a variety of people. There is one situation that sticks out. One night while hosting (in my early days) a woman had a really bad growth on one side of her face. The person I was working with said

"whoa, what happened to your face, does that hurt"

(fricking moron).

I was so mortified and then almost embarrassed because the woman just smiled and followed me to the table leaving the moron I worked with at the host stand. Oblivious.

Hopefully people can see past the outside and look at the inside.

Belle said...

Congrats! It must be really exciting for you! I wet my pants every, single time I get a comment! I think it is really important to try and look beyond the obvious in every single situation, whether it be physical or emotional. It's difficult, but we should strive. It teaches us many things.

Bella@That damn expat said...

I saw it on the SITS site. Congrats! You deserve it so enjoy it!

Valerie said...

Congratulations on being featured. I'm new here but I've enjoyed reading your beautiful post here and I truly hope that I would behave exactly as you did.

The Blonde Duck said...

Congrats on your SITS day! Looks wonderful!

angi_b72 said...

Happy SITS day!! COngrats!

Stacy Uncorked said...

Congrats on being Saucy on your SITSday! ;)

Very thought-provoking post...you handled that situation very well. Beauty is only skin-deep, real beauty comes from within. That is so great that both you and your friend in Japan live by that philosophy! :)

Unknown said...

Congratulations on being blog of the day! Great blog! I agree... I would look the client in the eyes & smile... : )

Enjoy your day in the spotlight!

Jill said...

Congrats on meing featured! Way to go! It's a great day and I am sure you are going to meet a lot of amazing people!

Laurel said...

This is so odd as I was just thinking about this the other day. It would be much harder for me to be disfigured than to have a terminal disease I think - and I don't like what that says about me (vain, vain ,vain!). It sounds like you handled it just right.

Congrats on your SITS day!

Kelly said...

Congrats on being featured!! Great Blog. Glad I stopped by!! Have a great Weds.

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your SITS Day!!!

Beautiful blog....I look forward to coming back for a visit :-)

Liz Wilkey (a.k.a. A Mom on Spin) said...

Love your saucy blog! Congrats!

Anonymous said...

Dropping by from sits. Great blog!

deb@virginia blue said...

Very thought provoking post...
and a reminder to us all that it IS what's on the inside that's truly important...

Congratulations on being FB...you have a beautiful blog and a beautiful family!

Ali said...

Congratulations on being a featured blogger! I've enjoyed reading your blog!

Shell in your Pocket said...

So very fun..enjoy this special SITS day!
-sandy toe

Rebecca Jo said...

My husband endured a horrible fire that has left with him 90% of his body covered in scars.... its a reminder that is carried always...

Hope you enjoy your SITS day!

Dorkys Ramos said...

OMG Maki congratulations!! Yay! You so deserve it girl. You have such a giant heart and I loved the story you shared with us. Truly inspirational. I wish there were more people who that compassionate, loving and caring in the world.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on being featured!

That is a tough situation I think when you are only going to interact with the individual once. Will they be offended if we go ALL THE WAY OUT OF OUR WAY and feel almost insulted b/c of it? Do you say something?

I usually end up giving them the same customer service, making sure to make eye contact, and chat it up... no matter how hard it is I'm sure even though they're used to the stares and awkwardness it cannot be easy. So I'd probably just try to make the situation as natural as I would any other.

Michie said...

First, congratulations on being featured today! You deserve it, your blog is wonderful. Second, meeting people or knowing people for a long time that are disfigured or have special needs can be tough on some people. You are not alone. I am not uncomfortable around it, I grew up with a disfigured grandmother and a special needs cousin and also befriended many others. God puts us in situations for a reason.

Take Care. : )

Anonymous said...

Congratulation ~

As for your question.. I would also do the same as you did.

people ~ What will you feel if you're in her shoe and other shows you the "annoyed face " ? I'm sure not gonna like that.

Chears on your sauciness :D

Aunt Julie said...

This is a sad, sad story. The woman obviously knows what she looks like. She's probably OK with going out in public, since she went to get her nails done. I would treat her with the dignity and compassion to which she's entitled. I think you handled this situation splendidly! BTW, congrats on being the SITS Featured Blogger!

Melissa, Multi-Tasking Mama said...

Congrats on being the saucy blog of the day! What a sweet story- there are so many situations that make you wonder what you would do. My hubby and I have been together for ever (13 years) and have grown up together so I don't think physical deformities would make a difference at this point.
It is important for people to not make a big deal when they see someone like that- they probably get stared at and mocked all the time. Wouldn't it be nice if we could look at people from the inside out?

skinnylattemama said...

Congrats on being fteatured at Sits!! What a beautiful story, you said it just right!

Amy Fichtner said...

Yay for being featured today!!! Your blog is cute and I loved the story, even though it was sad, it relly put's things into perspective!

Anonymous said...

have a great feature day!

Lori said...

Happy SITS Day!! :)

Cathy said...

Congrats on being the featured blogger! That was such a touching story! It would be hard not to feel sorry for the person. It's inspiring to see someone that has obviously gone through a lot, live life with a smile on their face!

Rachel said...

This was a great heartfelt story. Thanks for sharing.

Bramblemoon Farm said...

Congrats on being saucy:) I agree that you acted the way I'm sure she wanted you to. I imagine that being treated kindly, with no pity or stares, is something she appreciates. I loved your friends story-- it's a lesson for all of us to learn!

M said...

Congrats on your SITS day! Love your blog and your girls are adorable :)

MDtripmom said...

Thanks for sharing your cool blog with all of us SITStas! Your girls are adorable. Congrats on your sauciness!

Cape Cod Gal said...

If I run into that situation I do my best to act perfectly normal. We have a client who has one of those holes in his throat that he has to press a box against to talk. In freaks me out. But, I do the best I can to treat him no differently than any other client. If I was in that situation, I would hope others would do the same. That lady must have amazing courage!

Becky said...

Happy SITS day!!! Great thought provoking post! I would hope I would look the person in the eye and be able to see the beauty underneath.

lemonologie said...

Congrats on your SITS day!

Pat said...

Congrats on being saucy! I do not know what I would do in a situation like with your client, probably I would act like your coworker..
take care
Pat

Anonymous said...

Happy SITS day!

I saw a man at Costco the other day (worker) who was missing his nose...either to Cancer or an accident. What a difference to the shape/image of a face that makes....hard to believe. At any rate, my heart sank for him a little as well.....but I don't think he wanted pity either.

Saving The Day said...

What a great lesson you've shared with everyone!

I used to work in long-term health care and it has been my privilege to get to know the sick, injured, the elderly, and the disabled. These people can't be defined by their affliction, and fortunately, working with them on a long-term basis made it possible for me to understand that everyone has such a unique and interesting set of life experiences to share.

Congrats on your SITS Day! xo

jkluginbill said...

Happy SITs Day!

I had a friend in elementary school that was severely burned and my mom worked in a retirement home with people who may have looked a bit different, however I think when raised with it you don't notice as much. So, when I got to middle school and our counselor was severely burned I didn't seem to notice when all the other kids were terrified...I think repeating to oneself that they are people is necessary sometimes. It is hard enough for them in a society that so values appearance.

I think you did the right thing...treating her as you would everyone else and then helping your friend out. It's all apart of our eternal growth. :)

Megan said...

I'm over from SITS and I love your blog, you have such a great perspective on life!

Judy @ In His Grip said...

Congrats on being the featured blog over at SITS. From your post you have a great heart. I hope that I would be touched and able to show love to someone who I am sure feels rejection all the time.

Kimberly said...

Not everybody could smile gently and refrain themselves from staring at someone who has deformities. I think I would have reacted the same as you did. Not all people do though. And that's a damn shame.

In fact, recently, I've been trying to convince my older child, that it is not the outside of people that really count, but what's on the inside, he is pre-teen and self absorbed, my message is clearly not getting through, I am saddened by that.

Congrats on your SITS day, enjoy it. Love your blog btw.

mommy4life said...

Congrats on the featured blog! More people need to learn to look beyond outside appearances and focus on the heart! Good for you!

Ginny said...

I think you guys handled it wonderfully. She definitely doesn't want to be treated differently. You can't help but let it bother you. Hiding it from her & letting it out after was the best way to handle it.

Good for her for going out and getting what she wants done, btw. I'm not sure I could do it. You cant let things like that stop you from living though, she was most likely given a second chance at life to survive what she went through.

Great post & happy sits day!

Jennifer said...

Hi SITSta! Congratulations on being featured. Enjoy our day!

Tara said...

What a beautiful story...If the world only had more wonderful people like you. We have to always remember that our body is just that...a body...but the soul inside is what moves us to live and breathe and that's what matters. Congrats on being a Star for the day! Your blog is beautiful... ♥

Knit Purl Gurl said...

Congrats on your SITS feature!

I worked in doctor's offices for years and saw all sort of deformities: congenital, surgical, or accidental. It only bothered me the first time. After that, I realized that these patients were actual people with real lives. They deserve to be treated in no less a way than anyone else. The best thing I could do for them was to not be over-the-top friendly as to be patronizing or to seem squeamish and standoffish, but to treat them as I would any other patient: with kindness, respect, and a caring attitude.

Kristin said...

Here from SITS. I love your blog. I will be back.
I have taught my children that beauty is beneith the skin. I also allow them to ask me questions about things that scare them. Sometimes I have to remind myself that the same rules apply to myself. Thanks for making me think.

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your FB day, this was a great post. You have a lot of power in a job like yours, to make people's days a little better, because you interact with so many different people.

Tessa said...

congrats on being saucy! you girls are cute!

Maggie R said...

Congratulations.. enjoy your "Day in the Sun" Love your blog, first time here, and I shall return..
xoxo
((((hugs))))
Maggie
waving from cold, snowy, southern ontario, canada

Keys to the Magic Travel said...

Oh, that is a challenging question. But I do think that everyone wants to just be "normal." No matter what. But so many of us wear things on the outside that bring stares and judgements.

Anonymous said...

congrats on being FB!! get your groove on SITSsta!!!!

Gina said...

Congratulations on being the featured blogger and what an excellent post. I was touched by the story and your telling of it. You have a new blog reader and fan.

Check out my blog at fruitymama.blogspot.com

Happy SITS day;
Gina

vsm/whirling dirvish photography said...

Kudos on being featured! One day I wish to be there too! Of course I always looovvveee your blog and your darling little girls!
I was actually in a brush fire accident with a close friend that got burned. It's hard to look him in the eye at times and know that it could have been me just as much him. But seeing his strength I found my own...

Leah said...

congrats on being SITS featured blogger!

i think your post was wonderful.

smile and have compassion for others is something i try to live by.

Martha@A Sense of Humor is Essential said...

What a great post, SITSta. I'm a nurse, so I deal with this everyday both personally and professionally. I think it is a gift to treat the person like they want to be treated, like we all want to be treated, with Respect and this is their "normal". Wonderful story about your friend, Mahalo!

Coffee with Cathy said...

So glad to have found your blog. Your story of the customer with the burned face was quite moving. Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

This post has me in tears! I am speechless BEAUITIFUL just BEAUTIFUL...enjoy your day in the SITS spotlight

Vickie said...

Congrats on being the Featured Blogger! Your blog is so pretty. I am going to poke around a bit and see if there is another post with the aftermath of the bad neighbor, you peeked my interest. I need to find out what happened.

Also, I would have handle the situation just like you did, give the client a smile and treat her with dignity. But, I would have been crying inside as well.

Anti-Supermom said...

Wow, what a story. You never know how you would be in the shoes of another, but the story you told was well-told.

Happy Sits day to ya!

Marrdy said...

Congrats on your SITS day! Your story are beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

Grand Pooba said...

Oh my gosh you are beautiful! Very cool blog! And congrats!

Mama Wheaton said...

Congrats on being featured on SITS. I would like to think that I would respond with my heart and not my eyes.

Lesley said...

Well, first of all...congrats on being the FB....That is awesome...

I can only imagine...being that I am someone who has become somewhat disfigured from cancer surgery...it is amazing how after awhile...we forget about it...not that we forget it's there...but we forget to be upset...or hurt...or embarrased about it....and I think that is how we'd like everyone else to be....because we are always still the same inside....the outside...just the wrapping...so I guess that's my little soap box....I hope you totally enjoy your spot light....

Alisha said...

Hey, I'm here from SITS. I love your blog.

I think I would have done the same thing. Where I work, I encounter tons of people of everyday, from different walks of life. And I do the same thing you do. I act completely normal, but they stay in my mind for a long time.

Rachael Schirano \\ Rachael Schirano Photography said...

congratulations on being featured today on sits! yay!

Jacie said...

Hi Sitsta! Love your blog!

Barb said...

Congrats on being the featured blogger at SITS.... great blog..
I am enjoying your posts very much...
I have a friend who had his face and arms and upper body badly burned....his face is so different than it used to be, and I was so scared to see him the first time, but you know...he was still our great friend and you just see past the burns and see whats inside...I do always feel badly for him, but he has managed to keep going in his life and be ok....so thats what is important...
I would hope that I am strong enough that I would always stay with my spouse even if something like this was to happen to him too....Love is blind...is it not???
thanks for such a wonderful post

Anonymous said...

Such a touching blog! It's good to see that there are people in this world who still really care about others, even strangers.

Happy Hump Day and Congrats on being the featured blogger!

lifebythehandful said...

Congrats on your special day!
I loved your post, it really makes you think. Thanks for sharing your friend's love story - truly beautiful.

Bethany said...

Stopping by from SITS...Congrats on YOUR day! You have a precious family!

Star Forbis said...

Enjoy your day.

Great Blog. Thanks for sharing.

The Muse said...

Brightness...happiness...:) :)
Cute blog...it radiates joy!
Happy to meet you from siss saucy! :)

KimmyJ said...

Congrats, SITSta! I am sure your client appreciated someone that would look her in the eye and not turn away. Good for you!

Becky W said...

What a wonderful story and a great thing to think about today. Thank you! Congrats on being SITS featured! It is a wonderful high! Enjoy!

Mrs. Buck said...

congratulations on your SITS day! Its my first time to your blog. that was a great story you had to share, so sad, but so inspirational!

Sandy said...

Happy SITSday!

jennifersusan said...

Happy SITS Day!!!
That was such a sweet story about the burn victim. I've got a friend who has glaucoma. When you meet him for the first time it's a little jarring because one eye is crossed and the other wanders. I know a lot of people have a hard time being around him because they don't know what's wrong with him. It's kinda sad that some people can't get past the top layer--they really miss out on how delightful some people are. :)

Nana said...

What a beautiful story. In the past I would have been extremely uncomfortable. Human compassion makes our hearts break which is a good thing, however you are right she did not want pity, she wants normal, as much normal as she can get. My father has a disease similar to M.S. He is in a wheel chair. People out of being uncomfortable ignore him. My grandchild Chloe has a seizure disorder which has caused her to be delayed, she is almost 2 and can't even sit up yet. I used to see little hadicap children or adults for that matter and try to look the other way. I felt sorry for them, but did not know how to act. Just act normal. Just like you did. They are human beings wanting a normal life. You did a good job, so did your nail tech. Congratulations being featured w/ SITS!!

Christina said...

Happy Blog Feature Day!

You wrote the stories so beautifully. My heart sank as the lady approached your desk and you discovered the burns. I am also very proud of your friend for marrying the man of her dreams, regardless of his physical appearance.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your SITS day!

When I see someone like the lady in your post, I try very, very hard to treat them normally. To look at them and smile. I can't imagine what life is like for someone who is disfigured that way. I know there are a lot of rude people who point and stare and I would imagine that they just want to be treated normally. That's what I try to do.

Kally said...

Congrats on being featured today :)
This is my first time visiting and I love your blog!!!

lynette355 said...

Doesn't it feel amazing to be a FB with SITS? I was in your seat yesterday and I am still riding high on the waves of bloggy love.
I can see why you was picked. I read every blog you have on your page currently. And it is like having you here at home visiting and sharing.
You have a very good style of writing like your having a conversation.
In answer of some of your questions.
Yes look people in the eyes and let them see the love from you. Not always easy to do.
Seizures are scary. Ever being out of control is scary. And my heart goes out to the Travolta family.
Tom Cruise is cute true. But...just not a fan.
Of course you asked the cute guy to sit. He was great eye candy. Looking is not touching so no harm no fowl.
And yeah you lost $1200 but, well I am sure there is a but in there somewhere.
Enjoy you day! You deserve it.
I pass my "Queen for the Day" crown over to you.

Reeni said...

Came over from SITS to say hi. Your story is so moving. I'm sure that this would of affected me in the same way. You treated her well, and she affected you and your co-workers. It really makes you think and realize how blessed you are. And that people are the same inside no matter what their outsides look like. With that said, Enjoy your SITS day, SITSA!!

merc3069 said...

LOL I was the first follower and I still love you;-) I am happy to see that you might over some new SITS people!

Becky said...

Coming over from SITS! Congrats! You have such a cute blog, and beautiful little girls!

Enjoy your day!

MJ said...

Congrats on being a SITS blogger! i have been procrastinating joining, but with the wonderful turnout I see here, it is definitely a motivator!

Your story makes me think of this really nice vendor I have for work. One of his arms was cut off at the elbow. I have never asked him what happened, but I can tell he is a more Godly man for it.

Leanna said...

Congrats on your SITS Day!

Great post! I can try to give you an answer... my baby has cerebral palsy. He is almost 2 (can't sit, crawl, stand, walk or talk) so I can't tell you what he is thinking but I can tell you as his mother what I think. But, just like with any 'typical' person reactions will be different from each 'disabled' person. We stay on the positive side.

When we are in public we see the stares and hear the whispers. I try to make eye contact so they know it is ok to ask questions. I would much rather someone 'ask' why he is in that special chair than to withdraw (which makes you feel shunned, or contagious). Children are awesome - they don't worry about that and just ask why he is in that chair or comment how cool they think it is.

We have learned to hold our head up regardless because we have to 'live' our lives and usually we are treated just like anyone else. We don't want pity, we are used to the stares (we make fun of you that stare...lol...jk...we just comment "did you see them staring?").

I think you handled the situation beautifully! You treated her just like you would/should any other customer.

If you would like to see/learn my babies story you can go here
http://caringforcole.blogspot.com/

or I have become addicted to blogging and would love new visitors...you could come see me and the whole family here
http://www.ifnramble.blogspot.com/

Again..Congratulations...you deserve it!

N & H said...

Congrats on SITS! I like you blog

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the feature! Very well written post, made me stop and think.

Laura said...

Congrats on your special SITS day! I would have felt the same way as you - devastated for that beautiful woman. She must have an amazing spirit though. I don't know if I would be strong enough to carry on like she does.

Laura @ My Thoughts-Uninterrupted said...

Congrats on SITS! Your post was wonderful today. I think you handled it in the best way possible. I'm sure people who have to live like that day to day do not want to be questioned or pittied constantly. You did the best thing.

So happy for you about being saucy!

CDB said...

I found you from the SITs girls..I'm very new but what an amazing story today. It sheds light on the tremendously caring person you are, as well. Love the blog!

Also, I love that photo on teh top of the post.. is that yours?

Debbi said...

(Congrats on the SITS-- I'm here from there)


touching story about your friend and her husband! It's funny how things like him telling her to leave makes her want to stay more! so sweet.

Carla said...

Makes you stop and think twice about the many blessings we each have huh?! Thanks for the post.

LadyStyx said...

What a great share. A wonderful way of reminding us to not judge the book by it's cover.

Sarah said...

Congrats on being saucy!

What would I have done? I don't know. Hopefully I would NOT have made her feel uncomfortable, and WOULD have treated her as I would anyone else.

My FIL has some disfigurement resulting partially from a car accident. I know it can be hurtful to be treated differently because of it.

Anonymous said...

Hey! congrats, i'm new to your blog and to SITs. These kind of situations are so hard. It's sad that most people try to avoid eye contact with people like that, I know I do... but I feel horrible on the inside. We don't want them to think we feel sorry for them, yet we don't want them to think us insensitive. It's a tough question.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on being saucy. To answer your question. I think I would try to put myself in their shoes. How would I want to be treated. I think I would want people to try to ignore it and get to know ME. Having people feel sorry for me would suck. I would rather have people be mean to me than feel sorry for me.

Shannon @ Lifelong Impressions said...

I'm in love with the photo, and am inspired by it for my next tutu photo shoot.

Ashley said...

What a sobering story. Congratulations on your SITS day!!!

Sherrie said...

Congrats on being SAUCY! Enjoy your day!

Sharlene said...

That is a hard one. You have to be strong and try not to make their physical appearance the focus of your emotions because the poor lady has to live with it every day and what she needs is to feel normal again. We all have our scars but most of us wear them on the inside, not the outside.

Lynda said...

Congrats on being Saucy! I think everyone wants to feel pretty and you made that happen.

Sarah said...

Happy SITS day...I am looking forward to looking around your blog a little more!

Unknown said...

Congrats to your featured day. It's my first time here so i'll look around a bit :)

Julie said...

Congrats on being featured. What a great story. That is always a hard situation. I think we all just want to be treated as if how we look does not matter.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on being the featured blogger today! :) Wow, what a powerful story...thank you for sharing it... :)

MaricrisG said...

That is just so touching! It reminds me of Beauty and the Beast. What matters is the person inside and not the outside. Great piece!

Maricris
Zen Ventures
Golden Flower Creations

Nicole Marie said...

it breaks my heart. sometimes i wonder why im so lucky. i know i have to appreciate what i have and how lucky i am but i can't help but think how it just so unfair for some people.

plus im sick again today so im feeling extra emotional. I cried while watching a commercial about sandals honeymoon trip.

Susie said...

Congratulations on your SITs day!! I hope you enjoyed your day in the sun:-)

Nicki said...

HAPPY SITS DAY!!! We LOVE Hawaii... how cool that you lived there!!

Tabitha Blue said...

Congrats on your awesome featured day!!!

I'm not quite sure how I would've handled that situation either... sounds like you did it well.

:)
~Tabitha~

freshmommyblog.com

Leslie said...

Congrats on your SITS day! Wonderful post. Definitely thought provoking. I'd like to think that I'd be able to act and react to that person just as I would anyone else. I pray that I will, if the situation ever comes up. Have a great day!

LORI said...

I GUESS ALL WE CAN DO IS TRY TO APPLY THE GOLDEN RULE: DO UNTO OTHERS...OR IN THIS CASE, TREAT OTHERS, AS YOU'D HOPE THEY WOULD TREAT YOU--AND YOU DID! CONGRATS ON YOUR FEATURED DAY!

Anonymous said...

Happy SITS day! I tend to pick out the people who need the extra hugs and care and those are the ones I befriend so I think I would have acted much like you did.

♥ Boomer ♥ said...

It was great to visit you today and read your story. Congratulations on a wonderful blog and an exciting day!!!

SJ said...

When I was in school, I had a teacher with only one leg. I think he had a medical condition that caused his leg to get removed. He did not let that stop his life. Sometimes he would even joke about himself. But deep down I knew he must have been a little depressed because of his situation. We got to live and forget about what we don't have. Be thankful. Be Blessed. Pray for and keep them in your heart those who have gone through the pain.

Rachel Ann said...

Congrats on being the SITS blog of the day!!!

Have a fantastic day!

Kendall said...

Hey Maki, I think I just need to say that this was an amazing story that seems like it could have been from the pages of Reader's Digest.

Wonderful post Ma'am!

Robyn said...

Happy SITS day!
Wow. You did the right thing. Look past the hard spots. My husband was gored in the face by a steer. It took massive amounts of surgery to get him the way he is now, which is nothing like he was. Although he doesn't bear too many of the scars and such, during the obvious years, it was easier for people to remember him before the accident. We don't often know what causes the damage to people and sometimes we judge before we think. You thought first. Great job! It shows you are a caring person.

angie said...

Wonderful, thought provoking post.

Hope you enjoyed your SITS day!

debi lynn mattingly said...

First congrats on being featured as the Saucy blogger for today!

Owning a store front, I get lots of women in the store with all sorts of issues (both physically & mentally). I am now 52yrs old and I guess I finally see past a person's appearance. Do I notice it, of course, but I also am able to see beyond the physical. You did the correct thing for this lady...you showed "compassion" not "sympathy".

I think it comes with age...at least it did for me.

Have a great week...xo...deb

Debie Napoleon said...

WTG on being a featured blog on SITS. I really enjoyed reading several of your posts.

Maki said...

Dear every single person who left me a comment here:

OMG!!! Thank you so much for leaving me a comment. What a special day for me... I can't thank you enough for visiting me and supporting me today.... I usually comment back here, but instead I will visit every one of your blog (it may take a few days...) and hope to get to know you more!!!

Have a wonderful day!!! xoxo

bj said...

Congrats on being the featured blog..
I am new at this and so sorry to be a day late...You have a fantastic blog that I have loved looking thru.
Happy day...
bj

Jan Holt said...

What a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing the stories and your insights. I love the opportunity to have one of those deep heart moments.

Thanks again.

Lesha said...

I used to work at a very large hospital so I'd encounter people of all sorts. I really really did try to treat everyone exactly the same. Some times it was hard, usually more of a reflection of the day I was having (on bad days I was usually felt more sorry for them and let it show a bit more). In all actually my usual response to most people is to somehow put my foot in my mouth though, regardless of your physical appearance...

And thanks for visiting my blog too!

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