A Stranger Outside the project VI
Our meeting brought me a lot of joy. Thank you, CK.
CK is a damn cool person. Even before our meeting she was friendly, funny, & open in her texts as we planned our dinner.
As I entered the eatery we had chosen, CK came up behind me to catch my attention. Though she had been avidly reading a book, her diligence prevented a missed encounter.
She showed strong confidence and caring as she introduced herself & walked me to our table.
CK recently moved back to Saint Louis from over a dozen years of living on the East Coast. She has worked a number of jobs but has not found a path she feels warmly about. We found agreement that the ideal job is a myth for many people. CK’s experience in the food industry was evident in the gracious manner she treated the waitress.
Her move back was in part due to family. As CK expressed remorse in missing the last several years of both her grandmothers’ lives I could see hope, compassion, & concern in her eyes regarding her own parents. Her draw to spend time with them is the love all parents dream of.
When CK is not reacquainting herself with the metro area she spends time hanging out at home with pets (wonderfully named after comic book characters), reading, & drawing.
Our conversation unearthed much common ground; we both have a similar range of humor - corny to dark; we both have an appreciation for food & people. We also equally find dismay in the actions of those who purport to represent the citizens of this country. The apprehension many of us feel is understandable. Things feel unstable right now.
She & I both found ourselves asking what can be done.
We didn’t find the answers but we found each other that night. Sometimes I think letting others in on our internal lives is just as important as trying to stay positive. This can be tough when we don’t have friends around to share with... BUT talking with strangers about any mundane shit is good for you! (I posted a podcast earlier citing a study done on this subject.)
It’s my experience that by sharing hardship with another person (be it a bruise or a death) makes each party recognize themselves a little more.
CK, your genuine interest in others as well as your other strengths make this world a better place. We don’t (& sometimes can’t) see how we improve this world. I don’t know if that’s a shame or a gift?!
Shel Silverstein wraps us up here reminding us all to be real with each other for the benefit of everyone.