Can You See Me?

I am your friend who seems a little sad today.  I just discovered that my spouse has been having an affair.  I am the young kid working at the grocery store.  I had to quit school to help my parents by food for the family.

Can You See Me?

Remember crossing the street yesterday so you would not have to encounter that homeless man? I am that old man.  A smile would have brightened my day.  Remember when you and your son were playing catch in the park and another child approached and asked if you would play catch with him?  I am that child.  I don't have parents.

Can You See Me?

I am the neighbor down the street that wears too much makeup, because I have bruises that need covering.  I am your jolly overweight friend that doesn't mind all your 'fat jokes'.  I only cry when I'm alone. 

Can You See Me?

I am your co-worker who was just laid off.  I am happy for you that you were able to keep your job.  I am the single mother next door with 2 jobs and 2 small children.  Don't worry about me, I'm super-mom!

Can You See Me?

I heard this story from Zig Ziglar.  It is the story of a man riding the subway train early Sunday morning.  Soon, another man with three young children get on the train.  The kids are boisterous and unruly, running up and down the aisle, bothering everyone on the train.  Their father seemingly had tuned them out, ignoring them and the noise they were making.  The man on the train decided that he must say something to this man about his children's behavior.  He went over to him said 'excuse me, but your children are causing a lot of noise and bothering everyone'. The man looked up and said 'I'm sorry, we are coming home from the hospital, their mother just died, and I don't know how to tell them'.

Now can you see me?

- Joe Freeman

Copyright © 2001 by Joe Freeman. All rights reserved.