Behind the Fog
Behind The Fog
We often make assumptions about the people around us based on what we see. But here's the truth: we rarely have all the facts.
The picture on this blog was taken from my window. At first glance, it shows a clear image of my neighbor’s house, our well-kept lawn, and a tidy hedge. Everything looks wonderful.
But there is much you can't see. The mist obscures many details. On a typical day, my view includes a giant memorial tower—a reminder of the horrors of war and the soldiers who never returned. I also see the sea and the harbor, where the ferry, our island’s lifeline, arrives daily- a sign of hope (and acceptable weather, it doesn't go in bad weather). There’s the lighthouse where we enjoy picnics, and a tree at the end of the street where we hang fairy lights each year to give us a little joy in the dark nights.
Do you notice the daffodils in my neighbor’s garden during spring? Or the sheep and lambs? These details remain hidden. You just see walls and a roof and think you understand. Do you know that they just lost a loved one? Or that Mary is in chronic pain?
When I started dating Andre, now my husband, a friend remarked, “The guy with the hair?!” Andre had thick, curly hair that grew outwards in every direction. Despite being handy, he disliked DIY and fixing things around the house. A year into our marriage, friends joined us on holiday. They arrived just after Andre had fixed our gas-fired hot water system. As they left, they commented, “We feel like we know him now—he has short hair and likes to fix things!” He had recently had his annual shave/shear. He is known for his long hair!
We say things and make assumptions about people without looking behind the fog. But just like you and me, below the surface and behind the fog- everyone has struggles, hopes, dreams, and fears. By sharing our own stories, we can sometimes lift the fog and understand the beautiful, complex individuals before us.
Nurturing others can be as simple as understanding they might have unseen heartache, memories, and dreams unknown to us. And if the fog doesn’t lift, simply sitting with them in the haze can be enough.
Let’s choose kindness and empathy, and remember that everyone has a hidden story, a part behind the fog.
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