Mockingbird

Living in a southern town, and coming from just about the "Yankee-est" place in the world (New York) I often feel as though I don't speak the same language as the natives.

In fact it is only recently I learned that when someone bestows upon you the sweet sounding phrase, "Bless your heart" they actually are saying," F@#* you and your mother".

After 4 days of complete deafness in my right ear, I went to the doctor instead of plunging an ice pick into my head. As always, I had the book I'm currently reading and loving, ( A Sudden Country-Karin Fisher) my notebook and a pretty pen. As I did not have an appointment, I knew I'd have to wait a bit.

I read and people watched. I enjoyed a conversation between two older 'Teaguers. They were remarking on the unseasonably cool weather allowing open windows throughout the house. The gentleman noted that he felt less isolated from the world when he could feel the breeze and hear the birds.
"My favorite is the mocking bird" he said. " They say he's imitating the other birds. I think he
just knows all the tunes."

Later, although thanks to my book, I didn't know how much later, the nurse asked if I was waiting for someone. I bristled inside and told her I was waiting for the doctor.
"Did you give someone your name?"
I swallowed and answered, "Yes, I came in at two", glanced at my phone and noticed it was 3:30. I felt myself getting angry although, when I thought about it, I'd had no plans for the day and hey, I was reading. I told her not to worry about it, I had my book.

I was brought back immediately and hugged by the receptionist who apologized profusely. In fact everyone expressed their dismay at their oversight.

If I had been "home" I would given vent to my anger at my wasted time.

And oh, I'm so glad I didn't. I'm learning the tunes, folks and soon I'll be singing along.

"Bless your heart."