May 5, 2022
Blanch Dubois
I have always been a fan of Blanche Dubois’s statement, “I have always depended on the kindness of strangers”. https://youtu.be/l4V8OHy0su0
I have made that statement several times over the years, largely to people who have no idea what I’m talking about. That doesn’t matter. In all fairness, I have not seen the movie “A Streetcar Named Desire”, likely because I know the story and I can’t bear to see Marlon Brando as a villain.
That said, Blanche’s statement speaks to me. It speaks to me of the general goodness of people trying to help one another in times of need. And also Of course, this cannot be relied on, entirely but I have found it is more true than not. For example, if you’re driving in traffic and you need to switch, lanes if you turn on your blinker someone will let you in.
At Work
Or if you’ve been hiking across a terrain and you reach the end point and there’s a van with the contractors and they’ll hand you water or Gatorade, no questions asked. Or they drive up in a UTV with the same offer of something cold to drink. Hiking across the hills and vales in 90+ degree weather will inspire the deepest appreciation for this kind of generosity!
On Vacation
Isla Mujeres
The story of the immigration desk in Cancun is here: http://The Theft, or “Part One” of the Journey Home – Tales, Trails, and Transformations
Here’s the longer version: I was trying to acquire a visa to get on out of Mexico and back home, but the immigration office would not accept pesos. Or cash. This was unanticipated. The woman behind the counter insisted I use a credit card. Which I did not have since my wallet had been stolen. So I’m standing at the counter repeating to this woman “I do not have a credit card”. She won’t even look at me but insists I must use a card, she will only accept a card, no matter how many times I tell her I do not have a card. So it’s a cycle. This woman will not look at me repeats her mantra and I repeat mine.
I break the cycle by looking to the gentleman at the counter next to me, an American, and explained the situation. I asked if he could please help me out. I mean, would you please, please, I’m begging, purchase my visa on your card, and I’ll pay you the full amount plus more in pesos. He agrees, no questions asked. His wife is in full agreement, understanding I was in dire straits. He signs for the purchase, and I gave him the pesos.
Puerto Penasco
So we’re in the ocean, Sea of Cortez, to be precise. And because we are a group of three, we store those belongings we need close in a cooler and bag on the sea wall. We retreat to our gear as needed, for a phone for photos, or another drink. Of course, we were not the only people taking advantage of the seawall, it was becoming crowded on this particular day. http://www.talestrailsandtransformations.com/fourth-of-july-at-puerto-penasco/
At some point a woman is sitting not far from our bags. She’s there for a long time, so we didn’t pay her much attention. But later in the day I’ve retreated to our gear and chatted with our new friend for a bit. I can’t recall her name, so I’ll call her “Julie”.
When I started to leave, I was having trouble negotiating the below the water rounded rocks. Julie offered a hand and helped me navigate the rocks until I was able to get my footing. It was much appreciated!
Returning the Favor
Of course, I do my best to show my own kindness to strangers. A few months ago, we were on a road trip and stopped at a gas station in Kaycee, Wyoming. A woman filling up at near us asked me if the station would have coffee inside. She mentioned she’s from Canada and not familiar with this gas stations in the States. I told her that nearly all gas stations have coffee of some sort, and she thanked me.
As I was leaving the building a few minutes later, she was in the driver’s seat, getting ready to head out. I accosted her to tell her that, yes, they do have several varieties of coffee, including the flavored cappuccino. She thanked me, turned off the camper and headed inside. As we were pulling away, she gave me a cheerful wave of thanks.
Faith in Humanity
I confess, I do have an “we’re all in this together” mindset. I have friends and family who think I’m foolish, or gullible. But I maintain that optimism. I’ve seen it. Experienced it.
So, I do, and hope to always, believe in the kindness of strangers.
