I LOVE THIS POST! We have to show up for one another, and yes, sometimes it doesn't feel safe. I appreciate your honesty in owning your hesitance. I had an experience once in a city I wasn't familiar with. I was vacationing and driving in Berkeley, and I was stopped at a light, and saw a woman who was clearly not okay, (I thought she might be OD'ing) as she was slowly sliding down a wall she was leaning against, and seemed unconscious. She had a dog with her all her stuff. I pulled over, called 911 and got out of my car to wait for help. I talked to her, she was definitely out. EMS arrived, administered Narcan and took her to the hospital. I like helping people, but this was something entirely different. I really wasn't thinking of myself at all, so there was no fear for me. I couldn't just drive by. It would have haunted me forever. Nancy, your writing is opening up here on Substack. I love seeing another aspect of your heart. xoxo
Nancy, my brother is like this tatted young man: he's got sleeves on both arms and almost down both legs, on his knuckles and neck. He has piercings in almost every orifice on his face, wears baggy pants and chains. He's almost 41, and he's told me countless stories about being stopped by police and judged based on his appearance.
The thing is, my brother is an overgrown teddy bear. He is sensitive, kind, and deeply empathic. We would all do well to remember not to pass by but to stop and care for others, regardless of the stereotypes we may form about them.
There are two kinds of people. People who can wear neon and people who can't. Kidding! This true parable, beautifully told, is a great reminder of the choices we have all day every day when confronted with the "other". Thanks for your honesty, Nancy!
Gratitude to you for asking to share this story, for the honesty of how you told it, for being willing to try. I tended to similar themes in a post I shared today. We have to try. 🖤
I LOVE THIS POST! We have to show up for one another, and yes, sometimes it doesn't feel safe. I appreciate your honesty in owning your hesitance. I had an experience once in a city I wasn't familiar with. I was vacationing and driving in Berkeley, and I was stopped at a light, and saw a woman who was clearly not okay, (I thought she might be OD'ing) as she was slowly sliding down a wall she was leaning against, and seemed unconscious. She had a dog with her all her stuff. I pulled over, called 911 and got out of my car to wait for help. I talked to her, she was definitely out. EMS arrived, administered Narcan and took her to the hospital. I like helping people, but this was something entirely different. I really wasn't thinking of myself at all, so there was no fear for me. I couldn't just drive by. It would have haunted me forever. Nancy, your writing is opening up here on Substack. I love seeing another aspect of your heart. xoxo
Nancy, my brother is like this tatted young man: he's got sleeves on both arms and almost down both legs, on his knuckles and neck. He has piercings in almost every orifice on his face, wears baggy pants and chains. He's almost 41, and he's told me countless stories about being stopped by police and judged based on his appearance.
The thing is, my brother is an overgrown teddy bear. He is sensitive, kind, and deeply empathic. We would all do well to remember not to pass by but to stop and care for others, regardless of the stereotypes we may form about them.
Exactly. When you think about it, the many stereotypes that govern our responses make our lives pretty limited. Thank you so much for this.
I’m so grateful there are people like you in the world who are demonstrating the value of humans we tend to overlook. Thank you.
Wendy, Thank you. I'll check out Marya Hornbacher. It's wonderful to be so open I imagine. I'm still trying.
Of course I know who and where you’re writing about, but I didn’t know her kindness. You expanded my mind with this piece.
There are two kinds of people. People who can wear neon and people who can't. Kidding! This true parable, beautifully told, is a great reminder of the choices we have all day every day when confronted with the "other". Thanks for your honesty, Nancy!
Ha Ha. You're right about that neon. Another choice. xo
Gratitude to you for asking to share this story, for the honesty of how you told it, for being willing to try. I tended to similar themes in a post I shared today. We have to try. 🖤
The beauty way that reminds me of many kind creatures
Thx for the pause to reflect
Another wonderfully written piece, Nancy. Thank you.
This made my day! Thank you!
What a beautiful story. As Jean said, you expanded my mind.
Fabulous story. Loved the conditions.
Yes, and thank you. We have to keep trying.
Thank you!
Thanks so much Nan Tepper. I replied to your note. This experience was eye-opening for me for sure.
Awww. Thank you.
Thanks so much, Joan. It's sure been an awakening for me as well.