Now, I've met a lot of individuals in my lifetime who love to criticize and make fun of me. They say, "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." Whoever told me that must have been out of it that day, because they were wrong. Words do hurt. There's no denying that. People make fun of each other constantly, whether it is based on hatred or simply for fun. Now, between friends, it's a constant; they poke fun at each other just to keep the punches rolling and smiles permanent. Many people are turned off by this and don't want to participate.
In my community, we've turned it into a high art form, which we call "reading." And reading is fundamental! Reading is both a negative and a positive. Between friends, reading is just something fun to do. Between strangers and simple acquaintances ... that's when the claws come out. The other day I attended an event that my friend was a part of. She knows how proud I am of her and how happy I am about what she did. While celebrating and crying on her success, her father took me aside and told me that he had to say a few words to me. I was in fear at this point. Did I do something wrong? Did I do something that upset him?
He told me, "I want to apologize, and you don't even know what I'm apologizing about." I was so confused, and he was right. I had no clue. Apparently, a year ago I went to go hang out with some friends at a restaurant after a game. He and his family happened to be there. My friends and I were all hanging out and having a good time and so was his family. After I was finished and leaving, he apparently "read me to filth." He made a derogatory comment that he stated was "cowardly and incredibly immature," concerning my sexual orientation. I didn't know how to take it. I was in complete shock. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he said he was sorry.
He told me he understood what he did was extremely wrong, and he was searching for me whenever he came to visit my friend just so he could apologize. I was at a loss of words, and I had no idea what to say except, "It's fine." He asked me if I forgave him, and I simply shook his hand with a strong grip and said, "Yes, sir. I do." What came next was a complete surprise to me; he pulled me in and gave me a hug. I said, "Thank you," and told him that I appreciated his gesture.
What this man did brought tears to my eyes. Like I said before, people read me all the time in a negative fashion. I'm used to it, especially when it's done behind my back. I'm not stupid or naïve. I know it's being done, and I've accepted it. But what this man did just showed how incredibly brave and commendable he is. Sure, what he said about me and the way he did it might not have been the most courageous thing to do, but apologizing to me and admitting what he did overshadowed his previous deeds.
I could not have asked for anything greater than this: To know that there are amazing people in this world who understand that we can't all be perfect and that we have our moments. But if we are humble we can gain back the pride and honor we all deserve. To the man who apologized to me, thank you again for your apology. You are a magnificent human being, and I pray that you will prosper and succeed at anything you strive for. My friend could not have a better father than you, and I know she is just as proud of you as you are of her.
