A most unusual thing happened last night.... but, a bit of backstory first. A few years back, soon after returning to reside in Memphis, I was helping a friend with a business project. In the course of the project, necessary changes took place including some changes in staff. One particular staff member took his dismissal very hard and targeted me as the object of his anger. In all of my life Ive never been called the names I was that day! And though I knew it wasnt really me this person was so angry with, and I understood it was the circumstances and that he needed a place to lay the blame, it was nonetheless quite alarming to have such language hurled directly at me. Ive never forgotten and have always prayed I would never cross paths with this person again. Fast forward to yesterday... A friend and I decided to go out for dinner. It was nearly 7 oclock and we expected to have trouble finding a place without a wait. Our first stop was luckily a success and I secured a couple of bar stools while my friend parked the car. While I was waiting at the bar, the bartender asked what I would like to drink. When I looked up to reply, the thing that I had prayed would never happen was staring me in the face. At first I hoped he wouldnt recognize me. But after taking my order, he asked for my name. Because I apparently cant think on my feet (!), I didnt easily reply some other name besides mine, instead saying Michelle while continuing to pray for no recognition. My friend and I sat and talked for a bit before he asked if we were ready to order some food. We replied yes and this is when it happened.... There at the very busy bar with people all around, he leaned slightly towards me, looked me dead in the eye, and said something like this: Michelle, I owe you an apology. I said things to you that you did not deserve. I was angry and upset and I took it out on you and I should have never done that. I want to apologize to you. You are a nice person and you did not deserve the way I talked to you. I sincerely apologize. I have wanted to say this to you for a long time. I about fell off the bar stool. The courage that it takes for any of us to say that we are wrong and to do our part to make amends with those we have hurt is something that is too rare in our time. The ability to put aside ones own ego is incredible. To drop ones guard and defenses is a powerful strength. His words not only touched me and brought tears to my eyes, but at a very tender and trying time in my own life, his words reminded me that people do feel and it is possible to make the effort to right a wrong. What an incredible night it turned out to be. I cant wait to visit him again! In the meantime, Ill hope to continue to learn from the strength that he showed because to me, the ability to step up and smooth out old wrinkles is a very impressive thing indeed.
Posted on: Mon, 14 Apr 2014 01:13:06 +0000