Ordinary Words

The saying goes, 'Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me...'

Whoever started this saying has never been bullied, cat called, or any number of things. But I am guessing, they never lost a child either. Because trust me-words, every day, ordinary words can hurt.

I myself am trying to be better about the words I use, but there is no way to protect everyone around you from words, when even the most harmless, silly words can hurt someone.

The other month I went to deposit Spencer's life insurance check. Something that almost had me in tears.

As I was there a bank associate was 'directing traffic' as it were and asked me what I was there for/ needed. I mentioned I was depositing a check. Of course she told me I could do that at the atm, no problem. I expressed that the check was for more than I was comfortable doing that with. Her response?

'Well, that's lucky.'

It was 8am, she was chipper, and eager to help. I was not in a mood that would be aided by someone who clearly had too much caffeine or could run without it, so that did not help the situation.

I almost punched her. But, I didn't. I held my shit together while I got in the teller line.

Lucky?!?! I wanted to yell. Lucky?!? I would not consider this lucky.

Yes, too many, this would be lucky. Even under the circumstances which it was received. It is a necessary thing to have, and has helped a lot. But I wouldn't consider it lucky.

I would trade just about anything to not be in the situation where a check like this is what I was there to deposit. But, here I was.

Lucky...Lucky...Lucky. It's a word I have use many times, and still do. It is a word meant in positivity and certainly in no way meant to upset me.

It was just a word, that in my personal context, sucked. But, it was just a word. There are many words out there that are not meant to the person saying them as they are perceived by the person hearing them. Just remember that.

It took me a second, but by the time I was out of the teller line, I smiled at the associate and was on my way.

People will say words, that might hurt- you. You, yourself might say them, but unless the intention behind them is to hurt, then remember the person behind the words, not the words themselves.