December 12, 2012
A day of contrasting views of me and my disability/speech impediment. I spent my morning in various staff and clinical meetings. My opinion was solicited many times and it was quite apparent that I was respected, though people found me hard to understand at times. When I got home I found out that the electrical company I had called for a repair to the wiring for my hot-tub would not be coming out. Maria had called them and they told her that they had a policy of not working on hot-tubs, so she got the name of another company. I had called them two days earlier, explained the problem and asked if they were the correct people to call. They said they would be out later that day. They did not come or call. It was as if they were thinking “tell him what he wants to hear and just get him off the phone. He is not bright enough to make a problem for us, and he probably won’t even remember”, an attitude which I get often, usually in person, and the look and body language express that kind of sentiment, though I obviously don’t know what they were really thinking. Later today we had a men’s group, where I was once again respected. Both scenarios happen frequently and it certainly keeps me humble, and alert! The negative response used to make me angry and I tried to counter it, to no avail, now I just take note. Not many years ago, I would have responded to me and my speech much the same. Respectful listening and compassion feel much better.
December 13, 2012
Quite a contrast to yesterday! A guy came out to look at and fix the hot-tub. He was very courteous and respectful. He clearly went out of his way to be helpful and of service, very refreshing.
