Have you ever had an incident in your life which has affected you a lot later? Something, which is still fresh in your mind even if it had happened a long time ago. A face that you cannot forget.
I have a story to tell you which has been haunting me since several years. I still remember the day when I was going to church with my mother and my little brother. I think I was twelve or thirteen years old. While walking, I saw a middle aged man, walking towards us. From a distance itself I had a feeling of uneasiness. When he came nearer I gave him a glance and I took my mother’s hand to hold in shock.
You must be thinking that he might have done something. Then, you are wrong. In this story, I’m the villainess. My behavior was totally based on his physical feature, his facial disfigurement. It was like he didn’t have a nose or mouth and those organs were all joined together to appear like a big mass on his face. I had never seen anyone like that before. The way I reacted after I saw him was so rude and unkind that he quickly walked past us bowing his head. But before he did that I saw disappointment and sadness on his face.
That night, I couldn’t sleep because I got scared of him. It didn’t occur to me at that time that I’m the one who had hurt him. Only thing that bothered me was his face. It took a few years and a nursing degree course to make me realize what was the cause for his disfigured face. What I did was so wrong even though it was unintentional.
I still remember his face but the feelings are not the same. Regret has taken the place of fear. That was the first and the last time I saw him. I never got the chance to say sorry to him in person.This post is a confession and I would like to take this chance to say, “I’m sorry. I’m sorry that I was so ignorant and unkind that I behaved like that. I’m sorry that I judged you based on your face without knowing you in person. I’m sorry that I hurt your feelings when I looked away because I wanted to avoid you. I’m deeply sorry for what I have done.” So if you read this, I hope that you do, please take it as an apology from my heart.
A Life's Journey 
Such a common response from a young one. You have a tender heart.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It might be a common response but I do think that they don’t deserve it. I did hurt his feelings. Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So touching dear Joyce. Though we cannot have a chance to say sorry, it’s good that we realise later about our mistakes and regret. ❣️❣️
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is and sometimes, I think that it’s better to let it out for our peace.
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing your thoughts here. I really appreciate it.
LikeLike
It takes something unexpected like this touching story to realise what a wonderful person you
are, Joycemaryj!!
Thank you. Your story had thought me to be more human and compassionate.
Joanna
LikeLiked by 2 people
How nice of you! I’m really glad that you liked it. Much appreciated.
LikeLike
You have such a kind heart and I hope you know that.
Regret can consume us sometimes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciate it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, Joyce. You’ve touched our hearts today. A beautifully reflective post, and a heart felt and delivered amends. Powerful. 💙
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much. You are really kind. I’m glad that you liked it. Much appreciated.😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re most welcome. Is my pleasure. 🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perhaps his sadness was just sensing how haunted you would be when you were old enough to process your reaction.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We don’t realize how much we hurt others even just with our eyes, do we? Thank you for sharing your valuable thoughts here. I really appreciate it.
LikeLike