Oh the Humanity

Many of you may recognize today's title, or not. It's a line that was used by a reporter who witnessed the Hindenburg disaster. He was so overwhelmed with grief at seeing this horrible sight and yet he kept reporting none the less.
Well today's post has nothing to do with any disaster whatever, but rather with humanity, or at least my observations of it.  Over the course of the last week, I have had the opportunity to meet, observe and interact with hundreds of complete strangers. Some of them were just going about their daily routine of work while others like me were on a bit of an adventure. I always try to observe others interactions with each other, as long as I can do so surreptitiously. This afternoon while boarding the plane for instance, I noticed an older lady try to manipulate the airline staff and her situation in order to jump to the front of the Queue. She actually managed it with one small exception. We were 6 or 8 back in line and even after she pulled her little trick, the staff still waded through the group in front of us to come and usher Linda and I to the front! I sometimes think Linda appreciates my white cane more than I do, but I figure that is ok because she is the one who suffers more than anyone, having to worry about me getting lost or injured.  There were other moments of poor behaviour by lots of other individuals over the week as well, but there is one thing that struck me most of all the little dramas I watched and participated in over the last week.  That one thing is the overwhelming goodness of people in general. Sure, we all get frustrated and impatient from time to time, that's quite normal. What I notice is just how nice people really are. From all the staff at our resort, to the countless airport, security and airline staff we have come across, not to mention most of our fellow travellers. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking the world is going "to hell in a handbasket", but if you look around and pay attention, you will find some pretty special, amazing people, especially if you keep a smile plastered on your own face!

"Today I choose life. Every morning when I wake up I can choose joy, happiness, negativity, pain... To feel the freedom that comes from being able to continue to make mistakes and choices - today I choose to feel life, not to deny my humanity but embrace it"
Kevyn Aucoin

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