Valentines Day means many things to lots of people, though when that particular
holiday rolls around, I always think of my friend, Joan.
As a little girl, Joan believed the childhood chant, "Sticks and stones may break
my bones, but words can never hurt me." At least, she tried to believe it-once upon a
time, when she was young, plump, and constantly teased.
Then things changed. Joan grew up-and-out.
Now an adult, she tips the scales at more than 700 pounds. Her friends politely
say she is heavy. Her doctor calls her "morbidly obese." The rest of the world calls her
fat. Some people whisper the word and some say it to her face. Unbelievably, some
people say and call her even worse things.
Some assume she has not heard the cruel words. Unfortunately, she has, and they
hurt her deeply. Nevertheless, Joan has learned how to avoid the cutting remarks; she
simply avoids the people who make them and stays in her house, where she feels safe.
All the same, with their 25th wedding anniversary approaching the upcoming
Valentine’s Day, her husband planned a romantic night out for the two of them. Knowing
it would be difficult; Dan began a persuasive campaign to convince Joan that she must
agree to join him for dinner at a fine restaurant.
If there was anything Joan dreaded more than going out in public, it was eating in
public. Nevertheless, for Dan, she reluctantly agreed.
To distract herself from fretting about the impending event, Joan, an accomplished tailor, decided to make a stylish new blouse for their celebration. Then, all
too soon, the big night arrived.
Dan picked a top quality restaurant; the food was perfect as was the romantic
ambiance, soft music, and the attentive wait-staff. Unfortunately, the patrons were just
the opposite.
Joan managed to ignore the rude stares. She even managed to disregard most of
the tasteless whispers and blunt comments. At any rate, no matter how hard Joan tried,
she could not overlook the young girl at the table across from them. The youngster never
took her eyes off Joan. When the child stood up and headed toward their table, Joan
cringed. Previous experiences had taught her that kids could be especially cruel!
The wide-eyed little girl paused next to Joan. Reaching out a single, tentative
finger, she stroked Joan’s indigo velvet blouse. "You’re soft and cuddly, like my bunny,"
she said. Joan held her breath while the girl’s tiny hand gently stroked her sleeve. "You’re
so pretty in that shirt." Then the little girl smiled at Joan and walked back to her seat.
That was all there was, a simple comment and a single compliment, yet they
changed Joan’s life!
Joan now says, "When people stare-I immediately think of a miniature angel’s
fingers caressing me, and I’m certain others are merely admiring my outfit."
Joan went on to say "when people mutter-I swear I can hear a young angel’s
voice reminding me that I’m pretty, and I’m equally sure the words others whisper are
flattering. That’s all I hear now, only compliments, words that can never hurt me."
