encounters with a stranger
Well, I figured it was time to update my profile info as things change. I'm thinking about adding more, but I'll leave it at that for now.
Today was the second time in a week that a homeless man has approached me while waiting for the bus downtown and commented about my Neurofibromatosis. Both used similar questions to talk about my large birthmark on my neck: "Did you get burned or something?"
My response was quick and understanding, "Nope. I was born with it. But here," pointing to my scar, "I had a tumor. I've had surgeries to remove the tumor."
There wasn't time to fully explain that well, I have this genetic disease that causes tumors and birthmarks, bla bla bla. I approached my explanation with simplicity and grace.
The first man rambled about discrimination and I told him I hadn't experienced any...but that I don't have insurance to pay for any kind of treatment at the moment. We both shared a moment of understanding about not having money in this country means little health care.
I have had memorable encounters with strangers throughout the last five years...some good and insightful, others interesting, and one scary experience with a man who repeatedly said, "I love you." That was before I worked with the homeless, and since then have received several more propositions. Through those experiences, I've learned boundaries and assertiveness.
However, I'm open to the randomness that can come my way through strangers...like the homeless man who could speak German, or the man by the Columbia river in Richland who shared a passion for the German culture...
This gives me something to contemplate now, as I often ride the bus wearing my headphones. I've come into the habit of blocking out the noise of the city, but I don't want to block out so much that I'm not in tune to these little conversations that come my way.
Today was the second time in a week that a homeless man has approached me while waiting for the bus downtown and commented about my Neurofibromatosis. Both used similar questions to talk about my large birthmark on my neck: "Did you get burned or something?"
My response was quick and understanding, "Nope. I was born with it. But here," pointing to my scar, "I had a tumor. I've had surgeries to remove the tumor."
There wasn't time to fully explain that well, I have this genetic disease that causes tumors and birthmarks, bla bla bla. I approached my explanation with simplicity and grace.
The first man rambled about discrimination and I told him I hadn't experienced any...but that I don't have insurance to pay for any kind of treatment at the moment. We both shared a moment of understanding about not having money in this country means little health care.
I have had memorable encounters with strangers throughout the last five years...some good and insightful, others interesting, and one scary experience with a man who repeatedly said, "I love you." That was before I worked with the homeless, and since then have received several more propositions. Through those experiences, I've learned boundaries and assertiveness.
However, I'm open to the randomness that can come my way through strangers...like the homeless man who could speak German, or the man by the Columbia river in Richland who shared a passion for the German culture...
This gives me something to contemplate now, as I often ride the bus wearing my headphones. I've come into the habit of blocking out the noise of the city, but I don't want to block out so much that I'm not in tune to these little conversations that come my way.