Think that you might be wrong
Reflection by Mel Raff
“Think that you might be wrong.”
— Hand-written poster on a telephone pole in New Orleans
In 2010, recovering from a traumatic brain injury and traveling across the country with my wife, I was taken aback at seeing this handwritten sign on a telephone pole in New Orleans.
Six words. Six syllables. Yet it spoke to me on multiple levels—including at that difficult time, not being able to trust my own memory. Thankfully, I healed and returned pretty much to whatever passes for “normal” competence in my case.
But this very personal message was not what caught my attention. In fact, it was almost subliminal at the time I first saw the poster. What struck me in the moment was just what most likely struck you—wait, me?
The Katrina disaster was still a very recent memory at that time, providing even more to think about. But the point that comes to mind in this particular moment, right now, is that building bridges is not simple. Nor is it easy. But if we recognize the need, we must find a way to start.
Humility is often held up as a virtue, an aspirational goal. But in reality, it is a tool. It’s a bare minimum requirement for discovering what is actually happening around us.
Mel Raff
My closest connection is to Dee, my wife of 53 years. Over that long period we have shared euphoric triumphs and devastating losses: the human condition. In 2015 we moved from our Maryland home of 41 years to Oregon to be closer to grandchildren. We have five, including two who live only blocks away from us, two in the Netherlands, and one in Brazil.
What’s Your Story?
"Think that you might be wrong." These few words tacked onto a telephone pole, stopped Mel Raff in his tracks, "What struck me in the moment was just what most likely struck you—wait, me?"
"Wait, me?" That's a dangerous question - the kind of question that can lead to building bridges.
How about you? What words knocked you off your feet? What question made you take a second look, made you see things in a different way?
Share your experience in the comments below or consider sending in a short reflection (up to 250 words). Click on the button below for story guidelines and the steps for submitting your reflection. Questions? Email us at mscribner.buildingbridgeswbw@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you.