Last Saturday, I participated in my first ever Take Steps, Be Heard Crohn’s and Colitis walk. I was excited. Through the generosity of family friends, I raised $295.00. The big day rolled around. The skies were threatening rain, but it only sprinkled. When we got downtown to the civic plaza it was empty. There were people there, but I was expecting a whole lot more. So despite the very low turnout, I was determined to make the best of the day. I met the new executive director for the southwest chapters. He seemed really nice. He has Ulcerative Colitis. He told me he is passionate about finding a cure for the diseases that we at times make us suffer. I was impressed. After the walk in which myself, my husband and boys walked at the pack of the small group, there were sandwiches and chips. There was a lot of food leftover. Obviously a lot more people were expected. The executive director asked if I knew of any group that could use the sandwiches. I said well sure. We could give them to the homeless. Unfortunately, there is a large homeless population in Albuquerque. He looked at me and said don’t feed the animals. I was shocked. I just stood there. I didn’t know what to say. I said well we usually try to help as much as we can. I think he knew what he said was not pc and if he was making a joke it wasn’t funny. After that comment, I just wanted to get out of there. I took the sandwiches and the box of chips and we drove down to the Rescue Mission. My husband went inside and asked if they could use them. They said of course. There were men, women and children waiting for dinner. Two kids ran up to him and asked if they could have some of the food. Those were the animals the executive director was talking about. I kick myself that I didn’t say something. I just couldn’t get past it. After two days, I finally emailed the national walk coordinator whom I met at the walk. I got a quick response. She was at another walk in North Carolina, however, she is going to call me. I just can’t imagine anyone let alone an executive director of a non profit organization saying something so insensitive. Did I do the right thing? What would you have done?
Jana, I think you did the right thing. Sometimes, a reply to something so insensitive just goes right past a person that would think such a thing and even say it out loud. Too bad he couldn’t have seen the “animals” he referred to. I don’t know what will come of this but I hope he has his eyes opened and changes his thinking. I know, that’s a lot to hope for but not impossible as long as we pray on it, too. I’m sorry this rocked you so much but I’m so happy you took the food to those that needed it so much.
I wouldn’t have done anything, b/c I’m a big chicken, but you did the right thing
Who cares about PC, that comment was just mean. I had a similar situation where a grandmother aged woman said “that’s what abortion is for” concerning two young children who were sitting behind her on a plane, who by the way were very well behaved. I was shocked at her cruelty and called her on it too.
It’s so easy to get “deer in the headlights” when someone is so unexpectedly and unbelievably rude. We just get shocked and our brains stop processing. It isn’t always necessary to say something back – that you took the food to share anyway told him what you thought of his opinions.
It is always difficult to have a quick comeback when someone says something so STUPID as he did. I too hope that his eyes wil be opened to see who these people who just happen to be having a hard time as they really are… People who are loved by Heavenly Father just as he is. I am glad you sent the heads up to higher ups. Proud of you!!!
Jana, you don’t need to publish this . . . but I’ve commented several times and the comments haven’t come through . . . . wondering if you moderated them out, but I don’t think there was anything wrong with them.
If you aren’t seeing them. . . . . just know I have been commenting! Darn, will you get this one???
This has been happening to me on Anna’s blog also . . . . . Anna . . . .I’ve been commenting!!!!
Wow! That’s just such an awful thing to say!
I think you did the right thing, and I’m glad you still took the food to them.