A Bittersweet Encounter

[EcclesCake]

Whilst waiting for a blood test today I was sat next to an elderly couple, the lady was noodling away at one of those Mindfulness colouring books.

I commented on what a lovely soothing pass time it must be and admired the complexity of the patterns. Her husband explained that she had epilepsy which is stress triggered and the books help keep her calm, particularly as she hates hospitals.

When her husband was called in she lent across to me and told me I was the first person to ever comment on her colouring, my blood ran cold for a moment, she went on to thank me. She had worried that others looked at the mad old lady doing colouring. She was really touched and told me I had made her day.

Well, she made my day too but I was really saddened she had come to feel self conscious of such an innocuous and helpful passtime.

[albaqwerty]

It is sad that she is self-conscious about it.
But good on you for making her day, xx

Too many people are quick to judge, only by going on what they see and not thinking of reasons why people do things.

[wolf63]

When I have been mentally 'unstable' in the past I found playing Freecell or Sudoku on the computer repeatedly was calming - requiring no great thought and only a small amount of focus.

The colouring books would drive me nuts - I have no patience and would get frustrated at my lack of any artistic talent.

It's good when you 'do good' unintentionally

☺ ☺ ☺

[murraymints]

aww how lovely..well done yooo !

[Mamyalynne]

It's wonderful to know just a simple exchange can cheer someone up like that, it will of course add to her confidence too.

It's a two way thing isn't it?

[EcclesCake]

I don't think I'd have the patience either but the intricacy of the designs were lovely.

Most importantly it helps her.

[murraymints]

eccles your few words were worth so much more probably....'tis true a kind word can do a lot !

[EcclesCake]

My comment was indeed meant kindly, but when she leant over to tell me I was the first person to comment I was so worried that I had offended her.

As it was I couldn't have been further from the truth.

[ethandron]

I'm not the least bit surprised by your kindness to this lady, I've always thought you're a nice person..forthright and calls a spade a spade (absolutely nothing wrong with that)but very nice.
You made her day, and she's made your day, two happy people, I think that's lovely x

[EcclesCake]

Thank you Eth. Her husband clearly had some quite complex health issues of his own which can't have helped her stress levels.

Both he and I finished our blood tests at much the same time. He was off like a gazelle down the corridor, she and I trailed behind chatting. I commented that he had the wind behind him, her reply was that it was good to see. I just wanted to give that lady a hug.

And thank you too, for your kind words Eth.

[choux]

One of the nicest threads I have seen on here, Ecclescake. Well done to you. I often think that first thoughts are the correct ones to impart and you proved this today. Don't feel sad abut the encounter, I bet the lady will revel in your interest and kind words for quite a time to come.

[EcclesCake]

That is a terribly kind post. Thank you Choux.