You're So Well Spoken...

Joe Biden's gaff about Barack Obama brought me back to my life...17 years ago when a southern lady at Mrs. Field's Cookies in Boca Raton, FL asked me for a chocolate chip cookie.

I carefully selected her cookie...lovingly baked with chips and nuts.

I weighed it, and served it to her, graciously, in the paper bag brandishing Mrs. Fields' bright red logo, and, of course, a napkin.

She was a sweet, southern gentle Caucasian lady. Lovely accent. Like Jessica Tandy in Driving Miss Daisy.

She gave me her cash and told me, "You don't speak like the rest of them do."

In my naivete I responded, "Thank You" and returned her change.

In my heart I felt numb to her compliment.

I was an advertising student at one of the top schools for Communications in the country. I am wondering what else she would have expected from me.

17 years later. I haven't shaken the comment. Nor the chocolate comment in 5th grade. Nor the pencils being tossed at my hair my senior year in high school.

May I inherit some of Mr. Obama's grace and gumption.