Tonight is pizza night for our fam...

[Docreed2003]

Well, the fam is out of town and so tonight, I ordered delivery from a restaurant nearby and the driver delivered my order, I sign the receipt , we shake hands...and he goes back to his car...

Maybe this is racist of me and speaks to my own issues...but I walk back out on the drive before the guy leaves, I literally flag him down and say "As-salāmu ʿalaykum"...I thought this man was gong to collapse into tears in my driveway. That one moment opened up a long exchange of emotions and stories between the two of us...it was just a moment, one that I took to try to make my world a bit of a better place, and I hope it did!!

I hope this inspires others to do the same!

[bdamomma]

1. that is a wonderful gesture

of compassion and humanity. I got to give you this.

[Docreed2003]

3. It just seemed right....and I think it was

I live in a purple dot in a very red area...this guy was in tears and got out of his car to hug me afterwards...it was worth it, and I hope this Post will inspire others to do the same!

[Duppers]

26. This old atheist says...

"Bless you!"

[lpbk2713]

2. He was no doubt overwhelmed.

He sees so many mouth breathers that consider him a threat that he was overjoyed.

[Docreed2003]

4. He was

He got out of his car and grabbed my hand and pulled me into a hug....
It was just a small act and I'm not posting it to pat myself on the back, but to encourage others to do the same!

[lpbk2713]

6. If we all just lit one little candle ...

Thank you for brightening his day.

[InAbLuEsTaTe]

5. Great post!

[Docreed2003]

19. Thanks!!

[Cha]

7. Brought tears to my eyes..

so I can imagine how he felt.

[Docreed2003]

11. Mine too!!

Just reinforced just how much a simple act can impact our neighbors!

(Mahalo Cha!!)

[Hoyt]

8. +100000. There is just too much hatred now. I find myself trying to consciously smile at people

who I know have to feel victims of today's hatred.

My freshman year in college in 1967, I had a really great sociology professor -- even at my relatively conservative school -- who would come to class with stories of civil rights and Vietnam protests over the weekend, even had a gashed head from a police baton once.

Anyway, I remember him telling us about something called the "hate stare" that described the way old Southern racists looked at Black people, even when they were just walking down the street. Since that day, I have always tried to smile and acknowledge people for fear I might look hateful because I woke up on the wrong side of the bed or feel bloated from eating too much, or something. I usually get a smile back too, although some think I'm crazy as hell.

Anyway, appreciate your post. Had to look that phrase up, but it was close to what I expected.

[Docreed2003]

13. Thank you, Hoyt!!

[cate94]

9. Like you I tried to reach out.

I missed the date for Eid, because I was out of town, but I bought Godiva chocolates for the neighbors I knew are Muslim. Brought them by the following week. It was healing for me, and I think it made them happy. If it’s hard to be me now, I can’t imagine how horrifying it is for them.

[Docreed2003]

22. A great sign of community cate!

Thanks for sharing!

[Amaryllis]

10. I do that too when I meet someone who speaks Arabic, or I may ask them if they do, if

it seems appropriate. I taught ESL for a long time and my Saudi students taught me that phrase and I"ve always had a favorable response when I've said it to someone.

Just curious, what made you think he would know he would know the phrase?

[Docreed2003]

14. Instinct....

Maybe it was his appearance, or maybe it was his accent...it was just an instinct, one which paid off...and I am truly thankful for that!

[Amaryllis]

17. That's what I was wondering; it's usually accent and appearance that are clues for me as well

that they may know Arabic, and sometimes I ask them. They may be Iranian and speak Farsi, or some other language, but I've never had anyone be offended. They have always just smiled and said it back to me if they know it, and if not, most people can recognize if you are friendly and appreciate it.

[volstork]

12. Hey Doc,

from your TN MD colleague!

[Docreed2003]

15. Thanks volstork!

I know you can appreciate and understand this encounter here in TN....hope you and yours are well!!

[volstork]

24. I do,

And wish the same for you!
Keep the faith!

[Docreed2003]

18. Hand tossed...

With pepperoni and sausage!

[Upthevibe]

21. There's something in my eyes

after reading this post....damn those onions....

[Docreed2003]

23. And I didn't even order the extra onions!!!

Me too upthevibe!!

[Upthevibe]

25. ..............

.....................

[smirkymonkey]

27. Made me tear up.

Thank you for your kindness. These gestures mean so much in this day and age.

[Docreed2003]

29. Thanks smirkymonkey

I hope and think it did!

[Duppers]

28. The only greeting I know is merhaba

And I use it when I can.

Years ago at UT we were friends with the Turkish community there but I've forgotten most phrases.

[Docreed2003]

30. UT Texas or Tennessee??

[Duppers]

31. Tennessee.

Hubs has a BS & PhD in physics (+ a MS fr Cambridge U., where we lived 3 yrs). He's from Memphis; my hillbilly roots** are in the Smokies, outside of K'ville.


**do not like country music tho, much prefer Blues!

[Docreed2003]

34. Lmao

Well I'm a Nashville native....went to UT Martin for undergrad, Memphis for Med school and trained at UTMC Knoxville, so I've lived all over the state!

[Duppers]

36. We know many UT Med grads

But you're younger and wouldn't have been in school with them.

We've been in Wmbrg, Va for ~40yrs. Hubs is retiring, so we're moving to Blount Co. next yr. Ever in our neck of the woods, y'all will be welcomed.

[Docreed2003]

37. I'll take you up on that!!

Where are you moving in Blount Co?? There are some beautiful places there!

[Duppers]

38. Heaven, near the Foothills Parkway 😁

6 acres. We'll begin construction soon we hope.

Ck your pm.

[syringis]

32. Hi Docreed

I'm really fond of such stories.

It doesn't belong to the great history (though...), but it belongs to our personal history. It is the kind of moments which make us step forward.

Nxt time, if it is someone who is Muslim, you can say "As-salāmu ʿalaykum wa rahmatou Allah oua barakatou"

[Docreed2003]

35. Thanks syringis!

Will do!

[Demovictory9]

33. wonderful gesture