How Are You?

The other day I attended a Relief Society meeting at a care center. I always enjoy going there and participating with these gentle, kind people who have lived long, long lives and seen so much of history. I enjoy talking with them after the meeting and hearing their stories. They all have led amazing lives with incredible experiences. But there is also a touch of sadness because some of them have lost the ability to recall their own stories. Some of them struggle to even know what is going on around them. And some have even lost the ability to struggle.

However, this week one of those women gave me a good laugh and made me think. I passed her in the hall after the meeting and said, “How are you?” Without looking at me she answered, “I don’t cook good.”

I was delighted at her honest and refreshing response. How many times a day do we exchange the how-are-you-I-am-fine greeting without any real emotion or meaning being exchanged? The word how means “state or condition,” and this woman told me what her condition was: she was not a good cook.

I hope this brings a smile to your day like it did mine. I also hope it makes you think about how you would sum your condition up in one sentence to answer the question, “How are you?” I think it varies day to day so that instead of the pat answer, “I’m doing well, thank you.” We could have a different answer every day. Today if anyone asks me “How are you?” I’m going to answer, “I’m a good reader.” Do you think that will startle anyone? Leave a comment and let me know how you are today.