Yesterday, I went to MWD for a meeting with their top managers to discuss their water contract. MWD is one of Reclamation's major contractors for Colorado River Water. The meeting centers on determining whether MWD uses Colorado River Water in a beneficial way. I can tell you - YES.
So, here I am, dressed for a meeting of this sort. Making my way down the hallway of Union Station. From where the trains arrive and let out their people-massed loads. In a rush - all of us to get to where we are going. Purposed, strident walkers...
Except one...
There he was. A small black man. Using a walker. With his pants down. Struggling to pull them up. No balance. OMG.
I was slightly passed him. I turned back. Eye contact with a black woman. Do you want to help she asked me? Yes, I said.
With no further words we went into action. She bent down to try to pull up the pants. I got behind him to stabilze him.
She tried and tried to get the pants up. He had a belt on that was making it difficult.
Then, she recognized someone in the crowd. For the first time I saw she worked for Amtrack. She called over another Amtrack worker = another black man for assistance.
Then, with no words...we got to business...
She stepped back. He stepped in. I held onto my post of stabilizing him.
Then, some other black woman, with her sassy mouth yells out - YOUR PANTS ARE DOWN!!!
Then, out of nowhere the small black man, surrounded by strangers belted back - I KNOW GOD D.... IT!!!!!
Then my mommy voice kicked in...NO, NO, NO, to no one in particular. No time for this nonsense.
In my distraction I let go of the little man. He lost his balance. Struggling to stay up. Waving his arms alternately struggling to hold onto the walker.
WHOA, WHOA, WHOA I said. My eyes BIG with fear.
Then, he stabilized.
I got back behind him and determined to hold onto the back pack. Firm, strong, I have your back little man. I could smell the urine on him. I was so sad for him in this moment. My heart swelling with care for this man I did not know. Just holding on....
Quick, words between the 2 black men. Hurry said one. Do it yourself said the other. Out of frustration. And then, done...
Finally, the pants were up. The little black woman told the little black man to seek help making his way to his Doctors appointment.
Four people connected by their humanness. Then, we all went our separate ways...
No words, No thank yous. None needed.
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