I feel like this in amplified x100 when you live abroad (with a language barrier) and a kind stranger helps you in a time of need (because those times are always a bit more desperate when you're in an unfamiliar place). I fall in love with any health care provider that helps me while abroad. Yesterday a bus driver helped me out by illegally taking me on board with my flat tire bike and in my mind, we're basically besties now.
Thank you for this reminder, Mary. Traveling home through the Detroit airport recently with a toddler-derived head cold, I couldn't see much beyond my own mask. I'll have your wisdom in my head this weekend as I drive the elders in my life the 20 hours from DC to NoLa. I'll try to stay present this time and see beyond my own frame.
I am better at this in retirement than when I was so stressed or busy while working, especially with kids at home. But even then I got to annoy my girls by striking up conversations with complete strangers in simple shopping situations. (So I got double the pleasure! 😉) Now they do it too!
Haha! My husband would totally say that too. Or an electrician?
Also, it's wild the games people have to play with their insurance. As an hourly worker now (with a ton of privilege!) it is wild to see the infantilization of actual adults who are doing the best they can. We can get "tardies."
I feel like this in amplified x100 when you live abroad (with a language barrier) and a kind stranger helps you in a time of need (because those times are always a bit more desperate when you're in an unfamiliar place). I fall in love with any health care provider that helps me while abroad. Yesterday a bus driver helped me out by illegally taking me on board with my flat tire bike and in my mind, we're basically besties now.
Oh, Jane, that’s so interesting. More need and fewer resources make it even more lovely. Thanks for that insight. And yay for the bus driver!
Thank you for this reminder, Mary. Traveling home through the Detroit airport recently with a toddler-derived head cold, I couldn't see much beyond my own mask. I'll have your wisdom in my head this weekend as I drive the elders in my life the 20 hours from DC to NoLa. I'll try to stay present this time and see beyond my own frame.
That’s an epic journey! How fun to have that time with them.
As always, Mary, you say it so well! My new year’s resolution is to cultivate micro-connections everywhere I go! ❤️
Aww, lovely! Thank you!
I am better at this in retirement than when I was so stressed or busy while working, especially with kids at home. But even then I got to annoy my girls by striking up conversations with complete strangers in simple shopping situations. (So I got double the pleasure! 😉) Now they do it too!
Lol. You passed this on! I did, too.
Haha! My husband would totally say that too. Or an electrician?
Also, it's wild the games people have to play with their insurance. As an hourly worker now (with a ton of privilege!) it is wild to see the infantilization of actual adults who are doing the best they can. We can get "tardies."
It’s absurd, the insurance madness. And, yes, an electrician!
Indeed. Also, meant to say that it doesn't take much to ask about someone's day and hear a little of their story, and it helps. Thank you for this!