Recently I was reminded how unaware we can be of what people around us suffer. Mom and I were down at the lovely Muncaster Castle to enjoy the gardens as were many other people. We oooed and ahhed over the vibrant rhodedenrons, looking at the wildlife, enjoying the amazing view. Indeed the blue bells and other flowers were so pretty. 
Sadly, while we were doing that the family inside was mourning the loss of their precious mother, wife, 'Alla' and friend - Phyllida Gordon Duff Pennington, who had passed away that night. I only met her once but she was warm and friendly, quite interested in others, humble and all smiles. Her daughter, Iona and granddaughter Isla are just like her! Absolutely lovely.It just struck me as we walked around with other people milling about how we go through life not knowing people's story and yet making assumptions about them.
Do you think people wondered why the Muncaster flag was flying half mast or the dog was left barking in the kennel out front or there why there were so many cars parked outside of the private residence part of the castle itself? Did they even notice? I think not. I think they just went about their business enjoying their day totally unaware of the personal sadness of the family who provided the venue for their day out.
It got me thinking how we go about our days rubbing up against people, often making judgements about them without really knowing what their night was like or even their morning. Perhaps we should be more gracious, extending the benefit of the doubt. Maybe we should ask how they are doing, really doing. Regardless, we should not assume as we are often... unaware.
