Marci Seither

Urban Retro Fitter

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May 16, 2016 By Marci 3 Comments

Everyone Has a Story

I often see a wiry woman pushing a cart full of odds and ends around town, or hefting around a military seabag across her narrow shoulders, weighing almost as much as she does. Her long brown hair hangs down her back in a ponytail to keep it out of her leather-hard face.

kimShe is one of the regulars on that stretch of road who hold up cardboard signs in hope that at a traffic light, someone will toss loose change or perhaps a fresh sandwich their way.

And I am curious.

Everyone has a story rolls around in my thoughts like a rough stone being polished against small grains of sand.

I gather a crisp apple, a granola bar, and a bottle of water from home, and head back, pulling my car into a nearby parking lot. Making my way down the sidewalk toward the intersection, I push the pedestrian crossing button.

Why does this matter?

The light turns before I can talk myself out of crossing the lanes.  Stopping at the long concrete meridian, where the seabag and a smaller knapsack are plopped near the curb,  the sign holding woman paces up and down, hoping to make eye contact, hoping someone with an outstretched hand will offer a few coins to ease their conscience.

It is awkward. Seeing a need, but not sure what is helpful, or what is hurtful.

I hold out the food, introduce myself, and ask her permission to ask a few questions and snap a picture. She agrees.

Her name is Kim. She is 50 years old, one year younger than I am.

“When you were a little girl,” I asked. “What did you want to be when you grew up?”

“A nurse!” was her immediate response. “My grandma was a nurse. I wanted to be a nurse to help people.”

I stand aside as someone rolls down a window, a coin reflecting the afternoon light, and drops it into her extended hand.

“Sometimes things happen, things get hard.” She takes a deep breath. “I have been in and out of a few programs and have homeless for three years, but someday I hope to get back on track.”

Nodding her head, as if trying to convince herself, she offers a semi-toothless smile. “This is just a temporary setback.”

“What would you tell the next generation? The kids who are thinking about what they want to be when they grow up?” I asked.

“Stay in school,” she stated. “Even when you get discouraged, don’t give up.”

The light changed several times during our conversation and at one handspoint she held up her sign and muttered, “We are the people that others don’t see.”

Extending my hand, we said our goodbyes.

Next time I see her, I will make it a point to make eye contact and call her by name.
Everyone has a story.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Empty Nest: Strategies To Help Your Kids Take Flight Tagged With: determination, dream, goals, homeless, life, story

« How Many Teens To Change a Lightbulb?
Wreath of Rememberance »

Comments

  1. Nancy from Vista says

    May 23, 2016 at 2:13 pm

    Marci, you have inspired me to recognize those easy to look away from…those also made in God’s image; may i not miss my next opportunity.

    Keep writing and sharing….you are making a difference!

    your blood sister,
    nan 🙂
    (Col 3:23-24)

  2. Laura Bennet says

    May 24, 2016 at 8:22 pm

    Great post! I love that you not only gave her food, but learned her name, took her picture and put her story out there. A great reminder. Thank you!

  3. Marci says

    May 24, 2016 at 9:43 pm

    Thank you Laura!

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welcome It is hard to talk about me, without talking about us!    The Seither Family.  John and I have been married for over twenty five years. From the day we said “I do”, it has been quite an adventure.  One of the biggest things people notice about our family is the size. Yes, there are six kids, proof that  God has a sense of humor. I tell people that ask if we are done with six. “No” I promptly reply. “We were done at four! But the last two were too cute to send back.” Read More

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