Letters Unsent #2

This letter was written for the Write Tribe Wednesday writing prompt that asked that we compose a letter to a stranger that I judged with my first impression and in the end made a lasting impression.

   

To the Man on Dialysis,

        When I first saw you at the kidney center when I was 24 I was put off by your appearance.  I was there with my mom who had to undergo kidney dialysis three times a week to live, much as you did.   I didn’t know you.  You were a stranger to me and your appearance scared me at first.  The medics would wheel you in, hook you to the machine and you would lay there looking half dead for the entire time.  People said you were from a nursing home and were almost blind.  Diabetes had robbed you of your sight, your right leg, and functional kidneys.  In my young mind, I chalked you up as someone that didn’t have much of a life and that considering your condition couldn’t have ever had one.  I dismissed you immediately thinking you had nothing interesting to share.

      As time went on, I became more comfortable and familiar with all the patients.  I was bored waiting the 4 long hours until my mom was done with the machine and because of that I began making my rounds getting to know the patients.  At the time I was a graphic 
design student in college nearing the end and preparing for portfolio.   I cannot tell you how thankful I was the day I finally sat down at your side and struck up a conversation.  That was the day my opinion of you changed.  I discovered how you had come to be on kidney dialysis and to my shock you had been quite the successful cartographer.  In laymen’s terms you drew maps.  Even more cool, you had actually drawn the maps used for the 1988 Calgary Olympic Winter games.

         One day you relayed the story of how your sister had met Eddie Murphy in Las Vegas.  Your sister had been vacationing there and one day went to get on the elevator.  She found herself surrounded by a group of tall black men.  The door closed and you told how your sister nervously wished she had waited for the next elevator.   

       All of a sudden the doors closed and a man behind her told her to hit the floor.  Your sister, having her imagination run away from her, immediately fell to the floor with her hands in the air sure she was soon to be robbed.  The elevator filled with laughter and she quickly made her exit.  Later when she went to check out of the hotel she discovered her bill had been paid in full.  The clerk gave her a letter that said “I have never laughed so hard in all my life!  Thank you for making my day.  I thought stuff like that only happened in the movies!  I hope the rest of your stay was enjoyable.”  The letter was signed by Eddie Murphy.

       I learned that first impressions can be misleading.  You simply can’t judge a person by their appearance.  Just because they look a certain way doesn’t mean that they have nothing to share, aren’t fun, or their life didn’t touch others.  That man touched my life.  He changed me for the better.  I learned not to judge others.  I learned first impressions weren’t everything.  I learned everyone is special and has something worthwhile to give to this world.  Everyone deserves kindness, compassion, and to have a friend.   Everyone deserves a chance.  Once my mom died, I never saw you again.   I want you to know how blessed I am to have known you.  I am so glad we met and for the lessons you taught me.

Me