Miss. L and her thoughts

I was working at the desk

A lady had came and asked me what the advertisement behind me was about, I had mentioned to her that I just recently moved here.. I actually don’t know how to speak or read French but I am in the process of learning.

She looked at me in shock and mentioned to me that I should not be working here in Quebec. She said it should be against the law to be working if you do not know how to speak French here in Quebec. She had mentioned that it was useless for her as a customer to come in when I don’t benefit her. I had mentioned to her that I honestly will try my best to help her with whatever it is that she needs and reassured her that I am a experienced person working here. She interrupted me and said don’t bother, I am just here to pay a bill.

As I was logging into my system.. as we were both waiting..

I could not help but want to speak my mind.

“Ma’am, I’m going to mention something.. I may not speak French therefore we both can still somewhat understand each other because you clearly speak French” 

She interrupts me again “You’re lucky I speak English but for those who don’t and that are not pleased with the barrier. Doesn’t that hurt you?!”

I continued.

“There is one language we both speak and that is kindness, It does not take a second to translate that to each other. I do not know you very well but I still want to be kind to you because that is something I can give you. 

Some may not understand me, I get this everyday.. At least one person every day so far since I have been here has told me that I shouldn’t be working here because I do not speak french. Does that bother me? No, because that is just noise. I turn the page and leave the simple words behind and move forward. I am willing to learn, that is something I have decided when I moved here in Montreal. I am learning every single day and I love living here in Montreal - that isn’t going to change because of an opinion another has.

If the language barrier had mattered so much then my parents would have not came to beautiful Canada and I would have never been born.

The lady changed the subject and looked at my necklace. She asked me if I have ever been to India.

I said no but I do make an effort to travel at least once a year.

She says “So while you work, not benefit me and go on these trips once a year while I drive my dad to dialysis. Congrats to you”

From that moment on.

It wasn’t about me

She was not upset about me, she was upset about her personal issues.

I let her go on as I took her bill payment.

I’m sorry about your dad ma’am.

She left.

My heart goes out to her as I turn the page.