Gina Heslop
Hailey, a busy mother, wife, and community member, faced the challenges of juggling responsibilities like many moms. Her days were consumed by grocery shopping, household chores, taking care of the kids, and maintaining her blog, “Thoughts, Dots, and Tots,” leaving her with scarce “free time.”
One day, on her way to work, Hailey found herself behind a slow-moving truck struggling to reach the speed limit. Initially frustrated, she refrained from losing her temper, considering her tight schedule. However, as they stopped at a light, Hailey noticed a sign on the back window of the truck that would change her perspective entirely.
In a heartfelt and viral Facebook post, Hailey shared the revelation from the truck’s window. The sign read, “Learning stick sorry for any delay.” This simple message made her realize the reason for the truck’s slow pace and transformed her outlook on the situation.
Reflecting on the experience, Hailey admitted that knowing the driver was learning to drive a stick shift made her patient with the slow shifting. However, she posed a tough question to herself: would she have been as patient without the sign?
Her honest answer leaned towards a “no,” prompting a deeper realization. People don’t wear signs illustrating their personal struggles like going through a divorce, losing a child, battling depression, or facing a cancer diagnosis. Hailey emphasized that if we could visually comprehend others’ struggles, we would likely be kinder. However, she advocated for kindness without needing visible signs, urging everyone to treat strangers with patience, kindness, and love regardless of their circumstances.
The handwritten message on the truck became a catalyst for Hailey’s change in perspective. It served as a reminder that, no matter how busy one is, compassion for others should never be lost. The story resonates as a call to maintain a sense of empathy and kindness amid life’s demands.
