As I was making my way through the school's main lobby, I spotted a girl who looked rather distraught. I scanned her, knowing I recognized her. Chemistry A. I had only been at this new, bigger school for a year. I had one hour class with her each day for a semester. I remember her quieter self, always focused on her own work. I always wondered what she was like outside of school. Maybe I'm odd- okay I know I'm odd, but I find it interesting what people are like inside and outside of school. We had shared only a single conversation or two while in the same class.
At first I was blanking when trying to address her by name, but once her name came to mind I took a chance and jumped right into conversation. (For her privacy I am going to leave her name unknown.)
"Hey, ____!" I cheered.
"Hey..." She managed to muster.
"How are you doing?" I asked.
"I'm uh... I'm doing okay.. ," She lied, "How are you?"
"I'm doing well. How is your school year going?" I asked.
"It's been rough.." She admitted.
"Why's that? Not liking your classes?" I pondered.
"No, it's not that.. I.. I lost someone really close to me.."
As we reached the main exit, I opened the door for her and continued talking as we exited.
"I'm so sorry to hear that. I can relate more than I can express in this short time, but please know that I am rather familiar with loss and grief. There are so many emotions and questions left to be felt and asked. You'll never have to go through this alone. I am always here." I assured her.
"Thank you... That's really kind of you. It's just really hard, because he/she was the only person who acknowledged my existence..." She cried.
I looked her straight in the eyes and claimed, "I acknowledge your existence."
I asked her if I could hug her, and she said she was comfortable with that. Although, when I hugged her- I felt the space between us. Whether she doesn't receive enough hugs, or was simply so cold from the inside out- I am unsure. The look she had in her eyes shook me. I saw myself a few months ago- the me that was consumed with grief and had felt so alone. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to take a risk and speak with her, because had I not, I'm not sure I would have ever seen her again. She looked so sad it breaks my heart recalling it, but the slight smirk that gleaned across her face when I told her I acknowledged her is incomparable to the sadness. This girl is not alone. No one is.
I dare you to invite yourselves to have conversations, whether you know the individual or not. A simple conversation could leave a larger impact on someone than ever known.
