Today Jennifer Oldham Bertrand, a local designer, posted a live video with advice from her son.

Say HI.  Smile.  Don’t stare.

Jennifer’s voice tells the story of her son being the subject of stares in a restaurant.  She gently reminds him that it is possible to be hyper-sensitive, to think people stare when they might just be looking at you.

But Winston knows, and I know, the difference between a stare and a look.

I have struggled with this concept for my entire life.  Just a few days ago, a girl of ten or eleven cranked her head clear around to gape at me, then leaned to whisper in her mother’s ear.  The woman joined the gawk-fest and my stomach dropped.  I usually suggest to children that they close their mouths and stop staring.  Didn’t your mother teach you that it’s not polite to point at people, I’ve been known to ask.  But this child’s mother behaved as badly.  I trudged away.

Smaller children cannot be blamed.  They will often approach me and pat my legs.  Do you have an owie, I’ve been asked, many times.  I bend down and thank them for their gentle touch.  I got hit by a car, I explain, even though that’s a bit disingenuous.  So always look both ways.  Their eyes grow wide.  I will, lady, don’t worry, they assure me, and toddle off.

It’s still difficult for me to endure stares.  I should be used to it, but no matter how thick you want your skin to be, the disgusted and mesmerized faces of people who stop to watch me struggle through a restaurant continuously sadden me.

How much worse must it be for Winston, who just wants people to say hello and smile at him?  I remember struggling down West Florissant on the way home from church.  My mother caught a group of boys behind us, swinging their arms and making monkey noises.  She chased them clear back to Jennings Station Road while I stood miserably on the sidewalk.  Just say hi.  Smile.

Excellent advice, Winston.  Thank you.  You listening, world?  Just say hi!!!  Smile!!!

Thank you, Jennifer Oldham Bertrand and Winston, for reminding us that it takes precious little to make a difference.  It’s evening, 02 July 2016.  I might sleep late in the morning, so take this as my Sunday message and have a lovely day tomorrow.

A MESSAGE FROM WINSTON.