By Erin
I just drove past the city cemetery and was reminded of a poignant, heartbreaking moment I happened to be privy to earlier this summer at that same spot on Texas Ave. Driving by the cemetery that day, I happened to look right and saw an older man with unkempt hair sitting on a bench outside a gravestone store across from the cemetery, his head in his hands, his shoulders heaving with sobs. And I zipped by at 65 mph.
There are so many broken hearts around us. The weight of our shared humanity is felt, sometimes more sensitively than other times, at least for me. And I know all too well what it feels like to be collapsing inside while a bright smile is plastered on the outside. And I am glad for people who have found me in such moments–and glad too for privacy when I needed it. Sometimes being alone is what’s needed.
So I thought of that weeping man just now. I hope he has found some peace.
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[See all the Encounters guest posts here.]
For the next 3 weeks (through Friday, December 21, 2012), we’d love for you to share any encounters you’ve had. Selected submissions will be published on Doves & Serpents. Submissions should be sent to guest guestposts@dovesandserpents.org (please see our guest post guide).
Very nice post. Have you ever read “Praying for Strangers” by River Jordon. I think you would like it.
Thank you–
Very beautifully stated.
I love this, Erin.
And I know all too well what it feels like to be collapsing inside while a bright smile is plastered on the outside. And I am glad for people who have found me in such moments–and glad too for privacy when I needed it. Sometimes being alone is what’s needed.
That’s the thing, isn’t it? It’s hard to tell when it’s better to intrude on someone’s privacy and when to leave them alone. (And I say that as someone on the receiving end too.)