Patience

“Geez, you must have a lot of patience.’’ This line was uttered to me twice within a space of twenty-four hours. The first time was after calmly sorting out Visa issues with a group of travellers who barely spoke a word of English between them, by an Australian businessman who was stuck in line behind the group. I sighed in weary resignation to the Businessman, giving him a ‘what can you do’ shrug. In reality, I felt a deep empathy with these travellers and compassion for their plight, feeling resentful towards this Businessman’s lack of tolerance.

The second time was by a Mother at the local playgroup my daughter attends. Elizabeth simply refused to come over and join in with the other children, preferring instead to cling to the fence in hope it would be her gateway to freedom. I would have shrugged off these words if it weren’t for what she said next. “You must get really short with her sometimes.’’ I baulked at this. At the playgroup Elizabeth never threw things, or snatched toys, nor interfered with the other children’s play. She simply did not want to be there. And I could not blame her. It was a hot muggy day, the kind of dog day that makes everyone a little grumpy. I would also love to be in the cool, comfort of my home, sitting back and watching my favourite DVD. Not being forced to socialise of group of people who were not so tolerant of differences as they pretended.

Scooping Elizabeth up in my arms I gave her a kiss on her wet cheek, my heart going out to this beautiful, little girl. “Lets go home.” Giving a cursory wave to the other Mothers I walked through the gate. Perhaps if that Businessman had a child with a disability he too would be just that little more compassionate towards the plight of others. But I’m also starting to learn that perhaps I should not be so judgemental towards those like that Mother and her (genuinely) thoughtless comments. They live in a different reality to what I do and their comments are based on ignorance not spite. I too remember being quick to judge those parents with their screaming children trailing behind them in the shopping centre. Now I know life is not so black and white.