Troubling experience

By Jean K. Warner, Stevensville

I will be 78 years old in a couple of months and am in good health. The other day I took a friend for lunch in a local Stevensville eating place. We both wore masks, because the very last thing that I want to be responsible for is giving anyone the COVID-19 virus.

Our lovely, smiling waitress came to our table to take our order. First, she told me that my mask was un-necessary at this restaurant. I guess I looked surprised, because she followed up this statement with, “Oh, are you a Democrat?” I answered, “Yes, I am.” Then she leaned over the table in my direction and started screaming that the virus had been started by Democrats, that it was all a hoax and that it was no different than the flu. If her intention was to frighten me by her behavior, she did an excellent job. I asked her where she obtained her information and she said that she didn’t watch any news. I said nothing more.

I had gone out to lunch, and I ended up fearful for my physical safety. It was a foreign feeling for me, as this was the first time that I had personally experienced such vitriol.

I love Stevensville. I also care for the people who live and work here! Nothing will change this. Please remember that how you speak to others will affect their lives. And remember that there is room for all of our different opinions, if only we could use good manners and respect for our neighbors.

“Life is short and there is too little time to gladden the hearts of those who travel the way with us. So be swift to love, make haste to be kind and may the blessings of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with you now and always.”  Taken from the words of the poet Henri-Frederic Amiel.