(Letter to the Editor - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

When writing letters that can be read by the public, you just never know when you’ll meet someone who has read them. I hope when I write to you that I am being as genuine and honest as I try to be in real life.

I was at the oral surgeon’s office waiting for my husband when I overheard a woman waiting to be called back. She was concerned because she gets cold easily and was instructed not to wear long sleeves. To help ease her mind I spoke to her. I told her “They take good care of you back there.” They would give her a warmed blanket if she wanted. Also, they would address any questions she had before her procedure. She moved over beside me and we continued to talk. She said some of the things I was telling her sounded familiar. Found out she had read some of my letters to you in the newspaper. Before long it was her time to go. I hoped I had helped put her mind at ease.

I tried to do the same for my husband. He had watched my progress after a procedure I had done there a little while back. When I was all finished, I felt it was worth it. Trusting me he decided to go for it, too. The night after his surgery he told me, “You lied!” I didn’t lie. My dentist told me I don’t have a tolerance for pain. I have a crazy tolerance for pain. I’ll tell you, my husband does not. The doctor told him 98% of his patients don’t have pain. Charlie is in the rare 2%. I kept his ice pack, pudding, and jello coming throughout the evening. He is doing better now.

We all react differently to different situations. The same as we all have different things we like and things we are good at. That’s what makes the world work. It helps make life interesting. I have a couple of friends who started to compare themselves to me. They’ve said, “I wish I was more like you. I wish I could …” You can’t do that. I could say the same of them because they have qualities I lack. As I told them; If everyone was a farmer, who would build our homes? If everyone was a construction worker, who would work retail for us to buy food? Teach our children? Take care of us when we are sick? Keep us informed on current events? Etc, etc. We need people from all walks of life to make life not only bearable but sometimes make it enjoyable.

What it all boils down to is: don’t be concerned or try to compare yourself to someone else. We are all individuals with our own talents and values. There are times we learn from our mistakes. If you are fortunate to find someone with the same interests, that’s great. If not, that’s alright. Maybe share what you like to do with someone else. They might enjoy learning something new and maybe you can learn something from them.

When I write to you, I let my mind go. I start telling you about my day and people I interact with. I end up giving you a pep talk or wishing you enjoyed life as much as I do. Each morning I thank God for all the blessings, especially that I woke up for another day, another day, perhaps, to talk with you.

Until next time I wish you health and happiness.

Bonita (Bonnie) Eaton

Vienna