A Story in Two Parts: #1 The Station
He was quite unsightly. The unkempt appearance, a messy bike and heavy backpack, the dirty hands and face, the rastas and piercings … I felt uncomfortable with all of it. As I searched for where to buy a ticket, I was sure he was looking at me as a money source. When he finally asked if I was lost, I told him I needed a ticket for the local train and he said he did as well. I climbed the stairs, hurrying as fast as I could, only to hear him ask where I was from. Discovering that we were both from Germany did nothing to allay my fears and unease. The man spotted the counter first, showed me the way, and soon we found ourselves together on the train platform. When incorrectly posted station information resulted in us missing the train, the hour before the next ride seemed like an eternity.
Perhaps it was the mutually felt frustration or the few exchanged and helpful words, but when this man offered to buy me a cup of coffee, I sensed that I might have been wrong. Those initial judgements had possibly formed too hastily and without merit. I cautiously accepted his offer, introductions were made, and we began an interesting conversation that carried us through the hour and onto the train for the 20 minute ride to our stop. In sharing about key life events, I learned this man, had spent many years traveling around Europe with a small theatre group. He shared about his permanent life partner, his six children, how they had educated them while traveling, and how they crafted the stories they performed in villages during the summer months. His values of commitment, personal responsibility, a simple lifestyle, education and language adaptation, and an openness of spirit were revealed as he related his personal story of numerous decades. By the time we disembarked to head our separate ways, I readily shook this new friend’s hand and he extended an open invitation for a visit, giving general directions to the camp. I sensed there was a lot for me to personally learn from this encounter.
This whole experience reminded me of how many boxes I have in my life. These boxes keep me from engaging with those who seem so different from me; they keep me from entering into enriching moments with others. I was so happy that this time it turned out differently. Somehow, I was able to cross an inner border and connect with a person I had initially put in one of those boxes. He appeared so messy, dirty, disorganized and perhaps, a bit dangerous yet, ultimately, I found him to be a man motivated by deep personal convictions, strong passions and clear priorities. His eyes revealed a kind soul. Our short time together resulted in building a bridge of mutual respect, understanding and acceptance.
Thea
Photo by Maksym Kaharlytskyi on Unsplash
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Thanks, Thea, for the vivid description of your encounter. Of all the surprising things in the universe, it’s hard to top human beings. Looking forward to part 2.
Thank you, Thea, for this story and these insights. It seems timely that I should read your short story. Not that I have bumped up against someone whose “looks” have derailed me nor am I traveling and feeling a bit helpless and alone. Rather, all that is going on now politically and with a raging pandemic cements that there are others who see life very differently from me. I can work hard to avoid interacting with them or I can hold on to a willingness to move toward them with an open heart. My daily question is, “Am I willing to really see and listen to the person before me, keeping my heart tuned to what ultimately matters?” What a challenge for me!