Respect

Nope, not about Aretha Franklin’s song. Just about respect in general.

As my lovely wife is in my humble opinion becoming gold, I suppose I’m changing, too. Becoming rust, maybe. That evolution is still playing out. Something I wrote to MA! earlier today:

“Had lunch at a huge Chinese buffet (I like this place, Jody not so much). Sat across the aisle from a gent probably 6 or 7 years older than me, wearing a ball cap that proclaimed he was a Vietnam Vet. Marine, I’m sure. As he and his wife got up to leave, I stood as well, extended my hand, which he took, and I told him “thank you for your service.” He was taken aback for a moment, but then that military training kicked in and he was at rigid attention while he shook my hand. Just said “thank you, sir.” He left with his head held a bit higher.

I’ve figured out lately that the simple mercies we give to one another are some that people hold most dear. Doesn’t cost anything to smile, say please and thank you, address folks with respect… but it makes a difference in their lives.”

The times which I’ve spent serving meals to homeless people, all of whom I’ve addressed as “sir” or “ma’am” have let me know that everyone deserves a kindness. One phrase I absolutely despise is “those people”. I’ve heard it used too often by some (politicians mostly) wanting to degrade the folks that Jody and her staff work so hard to be an advocate for.

If there’s a song reference, let’s go with Jesse Collin Young’s “Get Together”.

“C’mon people now, smile on your brother,
Everybody get together, try to love one another right now.”