What's it like to be him?

In connection with my last posting, it's impossible for me to know what it's like to be him.

S's first impression to people is, weird weird weird. The 1st time I met him, I was ready to run away. He came up to me - way too close. He talked in this soft, strange voice. He looked at me too intensely. Sadly, I thought, Freak! And I also thought, How do I get away from this person as quickly as possible.

Many months since our 1st meeting, I felt overcome with more sadness towards him than usual. I always feel badly that people aren't nice enough to him but one Shabbat, it was so bad and I decided, I am not going to be like everyone else. I decided that I am going to show interest in what he has to say (even though he talks super slow and it's hard to follow his train of thoughts). So I did. And then I found myself sincerely interested in what he had to say.

Since that fated day, we have become friends. And he opens up about how he "is". Many people who are "weird", know they are. And, of course, they often know when they're being treated badly.

Breaks your heart.

Last night he told me something new. I do not know if it's a secret or not. I do not feel comfortable sharing other people's secrets online, even if this is an anon-blog.

So I realized why he is like he is.

Anyway, again, like I mentioned in the last posting, I have absolutely no idea what it must be like to live a life like his. I feel sympathy and sadness for the hardships he needs to endure. I think he is a way stronger person than most people, because he has to be in order to live his life and yet still be a kind, caring, smart, sweet guy.

QE