When it is empty-hanaat season, Mommies and school kids are home studying and often boredom-bound. Such environments, out of routine, probably makes it tough on Daddies when they get home from work, too. Gaza’s suffering multiplies the intensity of it.
I have found it easy to sit in front of the computer reading the latest atrocities from every known and new source of news, and the combination of all this is quite depressing. We’ve given, informed, emailed, joined FB groups, prayed…what else can be done?
Tensions and tender wounds are under the surface of of most, it is a time for gentle handling in the midst of tough words and taking stands.
This morning, I discovered a simple way to help other depressed mommies (and daddies) along in their day: just being caring on the road. It really started last night, when a man let me turn left when he didn’t have to. It made me calm, happy, temporarily restoring faith in fallen humanity.
Today, instead of driving for myself, I am looking for people who need to merge, or turn left, and make room. Wave them in with a smile.
I’m careful to do it when there is not a long line of traffic, nor a mommy or daddy late for school behind me. For this would help one, but infuriate another.
If Mr. Black BMW really wants to go 100kph on Mecca St., instead of blocking his transgression, I just get out of his way without expressing my displeasure with his foolish choices.
If there is no one behind me, I will wait for a loooooooong open space to merge on to Zahran, so the priority traffic won’t have to brake to facilitate my entering the traffic flow.
If there IS someone behind me, I will inch forward (so he will know I am paying attention and not SMSing) and zoom in so he can go too.
At stop lights, I will not become distracted by dry-skin and cuticles, but be ready to roll the minute the red light finishes for the last direction of traffic.
At traffic circles, I will not use mini-van size to play chicken with a Mitsubishi Lancer and force my way in.
There. Something else a mommy can do. Simple, but effective. Maybe give it a try.
Ooooh, giving your all for the cause. I may try it, but then where would my daily entertainment come from? Teehee. Good idea.
ya MB, you KNOW it! Giving up my source of gender empowerment on the street is a huge sacrifice. I’m giggling with you.
My entertainment has been your ‘Monk’ DVDs. Hilarious, that Tony Shalhoub.