SIX INCH BOX

   I recently attended the funeral of a high school friend.  (at my age funerals are about all that remains of a social life.)  Wonderful service, inspiring music and the priest's homily was a comforting expression for all attending.  At the end of the service, an attendant from the funeral home walked up and bent down in front of the altar and when he stood and turned he was carrying a six inch cube sized box.  He carried the container of the deceased's ashes and the family followed behind.  End of service.
   On the way home, I began thinking about that box.  Eunice was a nicely rounded person -  not fat but curvy - and stood about 5'5" and after cremation, what was left, fit in a six inch cube.
   I have had a weight problem since I started having babies.  I gained about twenty pounds with each one, 6 times 20 means that I am now clinically obese.  And I haven't had a baby in over 45 years.   Name a diet, I have tried it.  From pretty pills to working out, over the years, I've done it all.  Results varied but never lasted.  Now, I consider myself a fairly intelligent person, but for some reason, I just don't get it when it comes to losing weight.
   To some, my weight defines me as a person; but it really doesn't, anymore than a 6 inch box defined Eunice.  I am not  just an overweight widowed mother of six with lung cancer.  But to some that's exactly who I am and they try to keep me in that "box",
    Being judgemental has always been one of my  worst traits but over the last few years - and they have been life changing - I am making an effort  to  "hear" and "see"  people I meet as well as  those that I've known for years. Could we all just stop "boxing" people.  Look at each other, not through them.   See them.  Listen to them.    The time will be soon enough, when we'll all end up in a six inch cube - or a six foot hole, your preference.  Until then, let's quit "perceiving" and start "seeing."  
   My phone message says to call back because I am either out helping Wonder Woman save the planet one person at a time or taking a nap.  And this old, overweight person could be doing either at any time.  I am never without my golden lasso!!