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It bugs me when people speak of visiting "The Poor," to do volunteer work. Not because of the efforts they put in to ease suffering, but because it sounds like they are visiting some foreigner country in their own backyards. Something they go "Do" then come home to their own safe havens. There are some areas of my own city I do not wish to visit, it cuts too close to the bone for me, memories grow strong and anxious. I wonder, will I ever 'get over' being homeless? Its been ten years, you think I be way pass that by now, it still feels like it was a few weeks ago.

Still, I do not see the poor as being 'over there' they are right here, next to me in the pew, talking to me at their jobs, saying hello at the grocery store, crying because someone they loved died, asking for a roll of toilet paper because they are broke. Being poor does not always mean someone without money. It can mean someone who is sick, grieved, wronged, lonely, or simply tired. So, yes, go visit and do good deeds, but please, we are not 'over there' for you to brush off after you come home. We are as close as the child you love or the spouse you hold at night. We are you.

Nancy Louise

While the above would not make a catchy (these days) title for a book, it does describe a recent experience I had. Some of you may have heard about the recent repair of the San Francisco Bay bridge that went Kuput? Wonders of wonders, no one was serious hurt (read, no real lawsuit). Yes I am being cynical these days. Seriously I am glad no one was hurt. I am also glad the politicos of Oakland and San Francisco are now finally listening to the Engineering crew when they said (during Labor Day Weekend) We need more time to fix the crack! There is no one article that states this little "spat" but was the gist of what I got from reading at the time of the discovery of the crack. Everyone is playing nice to the cammeras of course. Still that not what THIS blog is about.

Its about ME and MY experinece in related the the bridge being tied up. I had already had a twelve hour day at school and wanted to get home. Only to see signs saying Bay Bridge Close, seek alternate bridges. Well that does not do me any good simply because I do not have a row boat berth somewhere to row home. Even if I did, I would be dangerous with all the frieght ship travels around the waters where I live. A tiny tow boat would be a tossed leaf to those manmonth things. Plus, my arms would be tired two blocks out I am sure. Texting between my oldest son and I seem to confirm the worst. There was no way, no how back to the Island. Hotels in the City do not come cheap, those that are more affordable (noted not affordable, simply more affordable!) are in areas I would not frequent and certainly not park my car! Or go to sleep without worry of drug bust gone bad and bullets flying through the air etc. etc. (Did that once as a kid when my Parents thought they got a good deal at a hotel, only to find out just what kind of motel it was.... ).

Driving around the area of SF on a tank becoming empty and not helping the atmosphere, I drove to where I thought I might find my husband stranded. Only to find out he DID make it to the Island. I was relieved for him, but jelous. The bus was able to get through. That when it occured to me, if the bus can get to TI, then maybe they will also allow drivers from T.I. to get home too? It was not the first time I was grateful I have an updated I.D. / Driver's Licsense. You be surprise how many people don't bother, or simply can not get to DMV to get it done. I drove up to what was the on ramp from Labor Day, there stood a cop, and I nervous (always nervous around cops, that me, no reason, I am not guilty of anything, just the nerves around gun powered law thats all). I got out my DL when he started signing to me. I almost dropped my DL I was so surprised. He signed to me before I had a chance to inform him I could not hear. His skills were not native, but clear and ernest in wanting to communicate. He explained there was a long line and maybe in an hour CHP (California Highway Patrol) would escort us to T.I.). After some more driving around (no left turns and all that in San Francisco) I got myself situated to settle for the duration of the wait. The line inched forward for a bit as I am guessing some people left the line for parts unknown. Then suddenly after about an hour the line really began to move, and the cop who signed to me, all young and ernest was directing the traffic. I waved back at him with a big smile and he smile back with a wave also. That made the bad situation all the more tolerable. So for those of you in public service who take the time to learn signs, THANK YOU! You might not see us out there that offten, but trust me, when you do meet us, we don't forget your efforts! And he took what was a frighteing time for me and made it so much easier.

I got home, to the arms of my beloved.
Nancy Louise