Have you ever had a moment where you felt invisible? Where you wanted to find a mirror and see if you were really there? I rarely feel that way. As a teacher I’m kind of always in the limelight. Oh, I may feel like they are ignoring me, but never invisible.
This week I found myself in one of those moments. I was on my way to the state park for a one man show day. (Meaning I was the only person on the schedule.) I decided to treat myself to a nice morning coffee. Black coffee with hazelnut and cream is my go to drink. I walked in and stood by the cash register. I was greeted with - silence. For 5 minutes I stood there. One employee walked past me 3 times without even looking at me. I was screaming inside, “hello?!” I understand busy. I was expecting a short wait. But there was only silence. I turned around without saying a word, without being noticed, and without coffee.
Now the day did not end up bad. After a call to customer service, I actually received $5 credit on my next visit. Still it left a lasting impression. I did not like it at all.
I see it with the poor and homeless. That afternoon on the way home there was a man standing with a sign. He didn’t even look at the cars. Most never acknowledged him either. I usually carry some spare change just for this occasion but I realized I had left it on the dresser. All I could do is smile. The next day he was there again. My change was also still on my dresser. This time I apologized for not having anything. He just smiled and said, “It’s all good.” I hope he’s there again. I want to help people know they are seen. I may not have anything with me to meet their needs but I can at least acknowledge that they exist. We can do better. Wherever we go, let’s make the invisible seen again.
