Laughing Out Loud

June 17th, 2008 | Recently, I went to an area hospital in Memphis to visit someone who had voluntarily checked into a Christian-based psychiatric center.  I went into the main lobby and asked how to get to the center.  The receptionist’s question took me by surprise when she asked if I was checking in or checking on someone.  I almost laughed out loud, but then regained my composure and with a very sane voice indicated that I was visiting someone.   As I rode the elevator up, I chuckled again with the realization that I am checking on someone today, but could be checking in this place tomorrow.  Life is uncertain.  When I arrived at my destination, I related the “lobby incident” to the patient and we both had a much- needed laugh.   The fact is, the receptionist was only doing her job and has no doubt learned not to judge a book by its cover.  We all have preconceived notions of what we think people who have problems, mental or otherwise look like, when in fact, they look like us.