Life's Lessons apply in many places

Visit Two Writing Teachers for the Tuesday Slice of Life!
                       Tweet at SLICE2013!   Thanks to Stacey, Tara, Dana, Betsy, Anna, and Elisabeth for all the work you're doing!

The most precious gift we can offer anyone is our attention." ~ Thick Nhat Hanh

       See this cute little rabbit, like so many rabbits everywhere, in my garden, in a nearby park, in my car!!  He is cute, isn't he, yet now I must call him, Ravenous Rabbit!  He, at least others like him, has cost me close to two thousand dollars so far.  You see, I have a Honda, and the Honda company in these last years have made changes to 'go green'.  The covering that coats the wires in certain parts/bundles are now soy based, and bunnies, cute little bunnies, like to eat that coating, snapping the wires in two.  Where some of the wires reside there actually is a flat place that is an excellent platform for the bunnies to snuggle down and chomp away!   Last Thursday I had a third repair, I added moth ball bundles, sprayed "critter ridder", and left my car for the night.  Friday morning the wires had been eaten again!  



       I've researched, my dealer has been somewhat helpful, yet they seem busy and just do the repairs, in and out quickly as can be.  They don't want to listen to my frustration, just fix it, be polite, see you next time.  My car is old, but has few miles, should last and last.  I do all the repairs that are required, etc.  I AM FRUSTRATED!  I don't mind solving a problem, but I do like resolution.  
       A couple of times I have taken my car to an independently owned and operated garage, but rarely because I've always had good service at the dealer.  Today, after thinking a bit more, I called this garage.  This kind and thoughtful man talked with me for almost 20 minutes!  He went through everything with me, asking questions, listening carefully, following up with more questions.  He made some of the suggestions I already knew, guessed that there would be a way to wrap the wires with some kind of screening bundle, and so on.  He listened, added some creative ideas, I made an appointment to leave the car later this week.  I am hopeful!
        These sordid details may ruin your idea of cute bunnies on the green munching away, and whether or not I solve all my car problems is unsure.  My learning today is the attention given me by this employee who showed he was interested both in helping me and solving this unusual problem.  I felt heard and supported.  If we'd been talking in person, I would have given him a hug!  
        Although you just sat down with a good book and a friend or relative calls, listen; when a colleague drops in with a call for help, listen; and when you receive a phone call from a person who doesn't call so often, listen. When you talk with students about their weekends, listen; when you sit with them to discuss some kind of learning, listen; and finally, when they tell you they have a problem, listen.   It means a lot!

photo credit: Maggie Osterberg via photopin cc