Open Mouth, Insert Foot

posted on Nov 04 by Linda Beck in the Guest Authors, Linda Beck category

How often do we open our mouths and speak when we should just listen? I know there have been a number of times when I should have done more listening than so much talking. It’s never my intention to hurt the feelings of my loved ones, but I guess sometimes I think I can say anything to them just as they do to me.

Now that my grandsons are young adults, I’ve been told I stuck my foot in my mouth and hurt their feelings a few times. Sorry boys! They surely know their Nana loves them even on her bad days. When I am having excessive pain or side effects from medication, it does at times change my personality especially if my own needs are not being met. On those occasions, I’m sure I whine to someone (if only my Lord and Savior).

There was this one particular day when I went up on top of Dunn’s Mountain praying to catch a cool breeze, but God didn’t answer my prayer, so this was one of those days when I started “pouting.” It has been so hot this summer that I have had to stay in more often than I like. So there have been times when I should have just kept my mouth shut since I complain so much in cold weather.

My daughters warn me that I am too outspoken in public and that someday I will regret being that way. I do not live in fear of this, but I admit twice recently I was approached in my van. It was extremely hot so I had put the windows down when my niece and I got in the van. On the way to the van I had noticed a young guy that appeared to be on the lookout for something. Just as I got ready to start the engine, another young man came out of the shop in an obvious hurry. He walked straight towards me holding out a little red velvet jewelry box and started talking to me.

I couldn’t hear what he was saying and without thinking, I started to reach out to see what he was talking about. My niece interrupted by saying, “She’s not interested!” He rushed off, and both of the guys disappeared around the end of the building.

“Aunt Linda, roll that window up. You’ve got to be more careful!” It’s a good thing Tammy was so quick thinking. No telling what I might have said or done when I realized he was trying to sell me stolen property.

Another day, a man who appeared to be homeless was pulling a suitcase along as he walked by. Again, I was sitting there with the windows down. I had reclined back reading as I waited for my sister and brother. The rough looking guy came around to the driver’s window talking as he came. My hearing is not that good, and I wasn’t sure if he was asking for directions, a meal, or a ride. That was one of those times I just refused to talk. He shrugged and went on his way. What might I have done or said if he had just gotten in on the passenger side and told me to drive!

I pray I will know the right thing to say or do if any other such episodes occur.

Sometimes there is one funny thing about putting my foot in my mouth. For one who can’t stand or walk right now, I can get a real reaction by picking my foot up and touching my nose. I guess if I wanted to, I could open my mouth and insert my foot. What a reaction that might cause!

Linda Beck writes for AMS Wheelchair Vans as a guest author.  Read more of her stories here.