Sunday, December 14, 2008

Wearing the Mask


One of the conditions of my new found freedom is that I wear a mask anytime I am out in a crowd of people. So this week I have ventured out a little making a few trips to the grocery store and one to the bookstore. I am quite a site walking into a store wearing a ski cap (required apparel in the winter with a bald head), sunglasses, and a surgical mask. I believe that if my intent was to rob the place this would be the perfect disguise. First of all, no one would question my presence, and second, everyone is so worried about being politically correct that I would be walking out the door with the cash while they were still considering what the correct response is to someone wearing a surgical mask in a public place.

Generally the response is a quick double-take and then pretending you are invisible. I have thought that I might start carrying around a five dollar bill to give to the first person that acknowledges the mask. “Yo dude, what’s with the mask?” A quick explanation and “thanks for asking” followed by the fiver.

However, before I could put my five dollar plan into action I finally got a response, and of course you know it would be from a child. I had just turned down the aisle at the grocery store and was approaching a mother with two small children when the oldest, a little girl about five years old, said “Look mom it’s a Doctor”. The mother got a slightly embarrassed look on her face but said nothing. The child, not ready to give up on the subject, looked at her mom again and asked; “Why is there a Doctor in the store?” This time the mother looked at me with a look that was part apologetic and part I don’t know what to say. So I said to the little girl “Sweetheart, I’m not a Doctor. I have just been a kind of sick lately and I need to wear this mask for a little while.” This answer seemed to satisfy her as she then told me they were buying stuff at the store to go home and make a gingerbread house. She then started to walk off with her mother but stopped after a few steps, turned around and said “Goodbye, I hope you feel better soon”. Completely made my day, maybe even my whole week.

6 comments:

Ken Ras said...

Steve,
I took Ian Steer and Doug Taylor (new guy in the Horsham office) to the point last Thursday. We looked for you, but didn't find you (even with your disguse). It has been great reading your blogs - thanks for sharing with us.

Jenna McDonald said...

Hey Man!
I was going to write you a bunch of stuff but I knew it would shock and offend almost everyone so I've toned it down. Keep up the good work. Get well right away so you can get back here and bail me out again. You have no idea how miserable this has been for me... :)

Bob and Neola said...

Hey Steve,
Do you think there is a market for designer colored masks? ;-) I am glad that you have some R&R for the holidays. Let me know if/when you want those Follet books.

Annie said...

Hi Steve,
This blog is great. Your story about the little girl in the store just made my day too!

Mark said...

Lunch with you and Tony was great. We have to do it again soon. Yes you do need to wear that hat as you now have that 'Mr. Clean" look. I think Mr. Clean has bigger biceps though! Maybe he has an earring too.

Mark

Dawn said...

Steve,
Dawn and I appreciate your positive attitude during this challenge in your life. You are such a great example to our family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It lifted us up to see you at church today. Thank you for all you do. Keep up the fight. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Love,
Clay and Dawn Christiansen and kids