I am about 12 days post-op from abdominal surgery, and finally I am out trying to get back my physical shape, if possible. I have been forbidden to do core body exercises such as sit-ups or planks, and also lifting anything greater than 20 pounds or something.
So, my only choice was to walk around the neighborhood. And today, it was a beautiful sunny day, although quite windy, which made the wind chill about 23 degrees Fahrenheit, and that was perfect for a refreshing walk to loosen up the muscles and get the heart rate up a bit. But not too much.
I was wearing ugly sweat pants that were loose-fitting for obvious comfort reasons, and a blue sweatshirt that clearly clashed in the color scheme, as well as a blue stocking cap, accented by my well-trimmed gray goatee. Coming towards me in the opposite direction were two young ladies — I would estimate their age at anywhere from 20 to 24, but I am no longer able accurately guess ages. Perhaps they were college students, home to visit their happy parents on Christmas break.
They were both wearing shorts, not hats and perhaps sweat shirts, I don’t remember the details because it doesn’t really matter. So, as they approached, I kindly said, “Hello, beautiful day!” They heard me, kept staring ahead, and talking to each other, ignoring the old guy in the ugly sweats, not responding to my generous and innocuous greeting at all.
Perhaps they thought I was a dirty old man, and that I was going to try accost them somehow, or that I was too old and ugly to waste their energy by emitting a few words of kindness in return, either way, although it did not spoil my walk at all, it bothered me a little, so here I am writing about it. You may say, “They are shy, and not comfortable talking to strangers.” I say to you: “they are not too shy to hide their bare legs for all to see.”
And their legs were far from attractive, by the way. I am still a man, and still alive, and found nothing about them attractive physically at all. If I would rate them on a 1 to 10 scale, they would barely reach a 5. Sure, that is a crass thing to say, but I am making a point that it does not matter how good looking you are, courtesy and kindness are not words these two young adults seem to understand.
I could understand their rudeness to me if I said something inappropriate like, “Hello hotties”, or “I love how your asses shake in the wind.” Yes, their rudeness would then be completely appropriate. However, it appears that these two both felt simultaneously that my kind words did not require a response because they felt superior to me, and I was just an ugly piece of green and blue tumbleweed rolling down the street. They were in fact, the perfect definition of supercilious. It would have taken them, or at least one of them, one or two seconds to respond to me, “Yes, it is a beautiful day.”
Supercilious: behaving as though one is superior to others. Haughty.
These two have never accomplished one percent of what I have in life. (they are young, but I question their social I.Q.)
I have seen much death and also experienced significant pain and tragedy in my life, and have survived it and grown stronger because of it.
I have saved many lives, but also felt the grief of losing others I could not save.
I have sacrificed a lot for my profession, and also for my children who are now gone and ripped away from me by an evil influence.
And most importantly, I have prayed more prayers and asked for forgiveness for my mistakes and sins a thousand more times than their hearts have beat per minute in their lives.
But I fear these two self-centered young ladies may not ever be Sui generis. Supercilious people cannot become Sui generis unless something significant changes in their lives, to wake up their selfish souls, and perhaps it will, we can only hope, as a society. Perhaps that day will come, and they will ask for help from someone to save them, and who knows, it could be me. Would I then jump in and save them? Of course I would. To the absolute best of my ability, no matter what the circumstance.
Sui generis: in a class by itself, nothing else like it, distinctive.
© 2024 SRCarson Publications
Ahhh yes. The sting of being ignored. I know the feeling well. I am thankful that our Lord does not dismiss us. I am grateful for this reminder to always recognize those in our life who might need a good word or a kind and gentle smile. You never know how much a small gesture could help a hurting soul. So glad you are getting back in the game after what sounds like a painful surgery. Keep walking on Dr. Carson. And keep writing on! This one touched my heart and makes me want to be Sui generis.
Hmm, maybe they were so busy with their unique conversation and just didn’t pay attention… I know from my own experience… I hardly notice people passing by, I can’t remember what they were dressed like, what they were saying around me, etc.. and this doesn’t speak of my arrogance at all, but rather that I’m too busy with my thoughts and where I’m going.. but unfortunately few people on the street tell me “it’s a beautiful day”, rather something depraved.. even when I’m wearing ugly pants (hehe, I went overboard with the ugly ones) and to such depraved remarks I always get rude or cut the conversation short or hint – don’t come near me, I’m armed) Purely my opinion)