As we wrap up the end of 2015 and begin the new year, I can’t help but look back on how much I have “grown.” Yes, I say this every year, and yes, each year I think I'm more full of wisdom. What type of wisdom you may ask?
I know nothing.
I must not, because so much that happened in this world and in my life leaves me bewildered and dumbfounded. Did I just read a news article about Kendall Jenner receiving a pony? Someone genuinely thought that was newsworthy? Is Donald Trump really the Republican front runner? I can go on and on, but this world and the people in it continue to confuse me.
This year has not only been filled with jaw-dropping confusion, but also with some life-changing experiences. No, I'm not talking about eating some bomb deep-dish pizza at 12 a.m. that was “life changing,” but being in the shoes of an abused women at Jewel Osco, or eating Chipotle with a homeless man and now my friend, Dan. Ordinary days became extraordinary days not by going on a shopping spree, or meeting a famous person, but rather by the simple human interactions I have day-to-day.
I will start with the women in the Jewel Osco grocery store. My boyfriend used to live right next to this Jewel, and it was infamous for the crazy shoppers: Some didn't even shop, but hung out in front of the store. I was accustomed to expecting the unexpected. However, I truly didn't know how to respond to this elderly lady.
She walked passed me, seemingly normal, a smile on her face, with a big black furry hat, almost regal looking. She stopped in front of me, and it was as if a switch turned off and her eyes became dead cold. She grabbed my hands and said to stop hurting her. She loves me, and it’s not her fault that she's Mexican. There was so much fear and pain in her eyes. Instead of being weirded out, I felt sick to my stomach. I rubbed her hands with mine and said, “It’s OK. I won’t hurt you. I love you.” She ventured back to reality and was freaked out that some random woman was grabbing her hands and said, “Um, hello?” She walked away quickly, and I still felt her pain. I was glad I could make her feel good, even if it was for a minute. It was hard to finish my shopping and wonder who hurt that woman, and where I could find them so I could kick their ass.
I have written so much about Dan, that if you follow my articles, you know who he is, and if you don’t, you should go read them RIGHT NOW. (Or just click this link). Anyway, I pass Dan every day, either from my apartment or by my school. He always has this small smile and glimmer of hope in his eye. For my final news reporting project, I had to do a story in the Loop, and decided to focus on the homeless. Dan was one of my sources. I told him what I would be writing about and if he could share his story. He was more than happy to. So, I bought Chipotle for us: chicken tacos for him and a chicken bowl for me. I also brought us chips and guac to split.
I sat on the floor with him, in my pink rain boots, while it started to rain. We ate and shared the chips and guac. People were staring at me like I was crazy. There were a group of school kids and they stared at me like I was eating lunch with a tiger, but I didn’t mind. Dan had a great story and was a warm-hearted guy. The rain got really bad, so he left to find shelter at the Harold Washington Library. It was one of the best lunches I've had, and so I continue to always say hi to Dan and give him food on my way to class.
Although some of the things happening in the world have surprised me in 2015, the things that happened in my world give me hope. I'm eager to see how much “wisdom” I gain in 2016. Cheers.
