Left from right

Left from right


Today as I was out walking my Seeing Eye puppy, Thomas, I realised that I finally knew my right from my left. Howard has often said 'the other right' when trying to give me directions. I was determined not to confuse Thomas, so I thought carefully before I gave him directions. 
It comes naturally to me now.


I always remember my Mother saying, "It's more important to know your right from your wrong, than your left from your right." I find it quite strange to still have tapes running through my head of things my Mother taught me. One that comes to mind is," Even when things go wrong, it's the motive that counts." She always looked deeper than actions and words and could see what was in the heart. What she saw was often only what others wanted her to see.


Some people thought she was too soft. Too compassionate, too forgiving. Many people took advantage of her, especially men. She always made allowances for people. She always saw the best in people. I saw her make too many mistakes and suffer too much heartache to be like my Mum. It does not make me love or respect her less. It just makes me more cautious of people.


I would like to think that it is wise to be cautious of people. The opposite is gullible and naïve. I doubt whether I could ever be accused of being gullible or naïve. Maybe I could be accused of being sceptical even cynical, but I think that has helped me to stay out of trouble and not make the same mistakes my dear trusting Mother has made.


So I learned by watching. I watched people who made ship wreck of their lives and watched those who were successful. I am grateful for the opportunity of observation. I am grateful for the examples both good and bad. I am who I am because I made the choices I made.