Walter

April 2, 2008

Walter was 52 years old. He worked since he was 13. He gave up a possible football career to take care of his sick mom. He's seen hard times and good times. Worked to put himself through college. Has a wife and three children. He works for social services. Walter had a problem and needed to be heard.

Now Walter speaks in "street". His grammar wasn't the best, he tripped over words. He repeated himself. No one wanted to take the time to listen because of it. They automatically assumed that he was wrong, that he was lying. They passed judgment on Walter. They spoke negatively about him. Walter tried for months to get someone, anyone to listen to what he had to say - to what was wrong. No one listened.

One day, Walter came across Cassandra. By now, Walter was no longer trying to speak calmly - he was upset. Very upset. But Cassandra cared enough to listen to Walter as he tried, once again, to address his problem. She didn't judge him on how he spoke - only listened to what he spoke. She researched and saw what Walter was talking about. And she was able to help Walter. Finally, after months of trying, Walter's problem was solved.

I can't tell you what the problem was or how it was resolved but this situation made me think. Why did it take so long for Walter to get the help he needed? Why do we judge people so harshly? Why do we assume that we know just how a person is without getting to know the person first? We're all guilty of it. We've all done it. And we've had it done to us. It's hurtful. It's compartmentalising or 'pigeon holing' as some say.

Yeah, it really made me think. The next time I'm dead set ready to judge someone, I hope I remember Walter. And I hope it stops me from judging so quickly.

Have a great day :)