Humanity

Do you know how people always say that tragedy brings out the best in humanity?  When there is a death in the family, people go way out of their way to comfort the bereaved in so many ways:  bringing them food, visiting, donating money, paying their respects, offering words of comfort, anything to help make a difficult time easier.  Well, I felt the kindness of humanity recently. 

I was worried about my return to my workplace after being off for a few months.  No one really knew the details of my medical leave.  A few close work friends knew some details, but to the rest I kept my problems confidential.  It was private, after all.  I was worried that I'd feel pressured by questions like, "So what was wrong?"  That people would not respect my privacy & probe further when I gave my vague answers.  I felt that folks might be resentful because I was being secretive, giving just the obligatory, "welcome back," and then talking about me negatively behind my back.  That did not happen.  I received a heartwarming welcome beyond my expectations.  It touched me.  I was welcomed back with a true sincerity (or fine acting!) by everyone from my peers to the folks who clean the office to VPs to my customers.  There were even a couple of people whose names I could not tell you.  I swear.  I felt bad!  People really showed me their humanity & that encouraged me to do the same to others.  It made my return happier & easier.  It gave me a reason to like my job again.  For that, I am grateful.  So I'm trying each day to remember to "pay it forward."  :-)