Early Saturday morning, I had to rush my husband to the emergency room after he showed all the classic symptoms of a stroke. Part-way down Franklin street, a car was stopped by a mother turkey and babies, and the delay was increasing my panic knowing that getting help quickly was essential. As the car in front of me was able to move, I breathed more easily but must have been following too closely. Shortly after, the car ahead of me pulled over and, as I passed him, he rolled down his window and gave me the finger.

I would ask others to wonder what someone’s circumstances might be instead of so quickly resorting to being ugly. What I first took to be kindness (pulling over to let me by) was quickly replaced by that classic gesture, adding to the horror of the day.

Weezie B. Gilpin

Vineyard Haven