The New Year’s sun has yet to greet me, but it’s a peaceful morning commute on Seattle’s light rail. I take my seat in a nearly empty car. It’s quieter than usual after the bustle of the holidays. I yawn as the tracks hum beneath me, whisking me toward my routine, to work, while the majority of downtowners are enjoying time off somewhere else.
I notice the man across from me with hunched shoulders. He scoots a little closer as if searching for human warmth and squeezes out a hesitant smile. We pass the airport. He nods and says, “I bet there are a lot of good jobs there,” as if they were beyond his grasp like the glittering lights reflecting back. “I need a change in my life. I screwed up. I need to find work.” His face reads defeat; his eyes sadness.
I tell him, “I don’t know your situation but the first thing is to let go of any bad influences in your life. The second is to never give up on yourself.”
It’s a new year. Another decade. A fresh start. Each day holds the promise of one more chance. To change.
“Where are you living now?” I ask.
“In a cheap motel, but the money is running out.” Tears welled up in his eyes as we pass by a neighborhood. “I lived in this area for over 20+ years. I have three kids. But I’ve made a lot of mistakes since then.”
We all have.
With all our thorough planning we are still unaware of the obstacles we’ll face. Tough times will come. The doctor delivers bad news—your new health (and life) condition. A relationship with a friend or loved one causes heartache. Maybe your kids go off track, or you do. Still, we fight for a quality life within our circumstances.
I tell him about my own, now distant, struggle. “I moved west, and all the dead ends pushed me toward working on fishing boats in Alaska. I had very little money, support or direction. Alaska gave me all three.”
He looks eager to hear more, but says, “I get off at the next stop. I have a job interview.” He palms his plastic bag.
I want to help but have no concrete ideas. I think of my stepdad who passed away. He worked downtown Chicago and nearly every week someone begged him for money. His response was always the same, “I won’t give you money, but come to my office and I’ll help find you a job.”
I quickly write down the names of some larger fishing companies. “Look into fishing,” I say. “It’s brutal work, but you can save money if you don’t have a place to live. They hire this time of year. Go to the library and use the free internet. Have them help you. Buddy, believe in yourself and don’t give up. You will find something.”
He tucks the paper into his pocket. “Thank you. Thank you very much,” and walks off into the 42 degree rain covered by a flimsy hooded sweatshirt. I shiver for him.
Some aren’t strong enough to stand up against bad influences nor rebound easily from a wrong turn. Desire what is better for your own life, but also encourage others to get back on course or find a new path. And when someone tries to make eye contact, maybe they’re searching for your light, some warmth and hope in their darkness.
Be a light. Love This Day.
Please read my memoir, BERING SEA STRONG, to learn about my three challenging months as the only woman and scientist working alongside 25 commercial fishermen on Alaska’s high seas.