"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the
least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'"
°Matthew 25:40. NIV version.
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| Marker for Springwater Trail where I have been walking for nearly a year |
I still love them. We can still live under the same roof, eat together, pray together, watch the Blazers and The Voice together. We are family.
We had begun discussing politics. Especially since the primary elections are coming up in Oregon. They did not realized that Oregon has closed primaries. So they were facing a deadline to register with a party.
My son in law texted me yesterday and told me he had updated his voter registration. I was so proud!
"Republican?", I asked casually.
"Yes. I am terrified of Hillary", he replied.
My first thought was, "How will I break this to my mother?" She is proud to say that she comes from a long line of democrats.
The reason I bring this up politics is that we had a bit of a debate last week. It got a bit heated. It was concerning the problem of homelessness in Portland. I mentioned that I was not walking on the Springwater Trail as much as I did last year.
Here is a youtube video posted by Lars Larson, a conservative talk show host in Portland. I enjoy listening to his program. Even though I do not consider myself a conservative, in most matters at least.
The trail has been taken over by tent dwellers. I no longer walk the trail in a state of free bliss. I carry my mace. However, when I encounter a person, no matter their appearance, I establish eye contact, smile and nod. I have always tried to acknowledge everyone.
Unless I am in an introverted, pondering, or morose mood. Then I keep my bad vibes to myself.
But things are different on the trail. There are no motor vehicles. And unlike last year at this time very few other walkers or bikes.
I feel vulnerable. I try not to put people into a category, establishing an "us and them" mentality. But in an isolated area, I keep my awareness up.
There was a rape a few weeks ago. And a report of a dog snatching.
But I identify as a Democrat on my voters card. And I lean heavily toward Bernie Sanders. Perhaps that makes me a democratic socialist.
Either way, I believe we need to open our eyes to the problems of our society. Help those who need help. Not judge, but start a conversation.
I said as much to the kids. But they say that creating more programs and giving "handouts" brings more homeless to the city and encourages them to continue their lifestyles, which they believe is mostly drugs and panhandling.
I tried to politely disagree. I have been a commuter for many years. I spend time downtown when I go to Union Station to catch a bus to Salem. I have talked to people on the streets. I have played the piano for homeless shelters, lunches and parties.
They all have unique stories. We need to see them as people first. Not just try to get rid of them and make Portland pretty again.
Our debate got a bit heated.
Especially between my daughter and I. We are a stubborn pair!
But my son in law had an interesting challenge. He told me maybe since I come in contact with the homeless...I stopped him there. I do not call them "the homless". That is lumping them into a category. He asked me what I should call them.
"People without homes", is the best I could come up with.
OK. So his challenge is that when I come in contact with a person without a home, I should ask them what their needs are. And blog about.
DRUM ROLL!!!!
Coincidentally (or not!), I was standing at the Max station yesterday and a woman approached me.
I will call her "W" since I did not have the forethought to mention I would be blogging about our conversation. I am "Z".
Here is my first conversation with a person without a home!
Conversation with W
Place: Foster-Lents Max Station
Date: 04-20-2016
Time: 10 am.
A tiny woman, about my age approached me. She had a walking stick and was pulling a cart. She had a funky little hat perched on her head. Her hands were very dirty. But she had a smile on her face. And the brilliant blue eyes.
W: "Hi. Sorry to bother you. Do you have a light?"
Z: "Sorry. No. I do not smoke". At this point I pulled out my earbuds. I was listening to the news on NPR.
W: "You are smart. I wish I had never started. Now I start shaking when I do not have a cigarette."
Z: "I am lucky I never smoked. I hear it is a hard habit to break. My son struggles with it."
W: "Yeah. And I have epilepsy too. I do not have my service dog with me today. I get nervous without him. Yesterday I had a small seizure and fell. Hurt my ribs."
She pulled up her shirt a bit to show me her bruise.
Z: "I bet your dog is good company".
W: "He is. I am sleeping under a bridge now and he is staying with a friend until I get housing."
This is where I had an AHA moment. A PERSON WITHOUT A HOME! An opportunity to ask some questions!
Z: "A bridge? Do feel safe?
W: "I am O.K. But I have an appointment today to find out if I can get housing."
Z: "Do you mind if I ask why you have to sleep under a bridge? And are you able to get food?" I also asked her if she knew about Sisters of the Road Cafe. I told her I was a musician and our group played for them around Christmas.
W: "Oh yes! I love Sisters. I get enough to eat. I have a disability check that I pick up from family. Portland is in a bad time, like the depression. But they do not call it that. But there is not enough affordable housing. I remember seeing pictures of men holding up signs in the Depression, saying "Brother can you spare a dime?" Not much different now."
She then told me about how she grew up in California and her husband and her kids survived a big earthquake. She also told me she plays harmonica and used to own a Myna bird. During the earthquake, the walls were shaking and her bird was crying, "Help!" lol At this point the Max pulled up.
I reached out my hand.
"It was so nice talking to you. My names is Zita".
She smiled back and shook my hand.
"I am W. Have a blessed day, sister"
"You too, W. I will be praying for your housing situation."
My heart was warmed by this conversation. She was so open and warm. Despite her living situation. She never once asked me for money. My regret is that I wish I could have given her something. I plan on stopping at the Dollar Tree today and buying gift cards. I cannot spare much, but I feel like I would be at least lifting spirits. My feeling, and it was confirmed today is that everyone, regardless of their social status, living situation, skin color, race, gender or religion, appreciates been acknowledged.
Today, I pray for the daily needs of people without homes. May they find joy and peace, and a place in their community.
May they be loved. And may we all learn to live together in peace.
Blessings on your day.
May they be loved. And may we all learn to live together in peace.
Blessings on your day.
Happy Thursday!
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