Fragrances

Isn't it interesting how a certain smell can take you to a whole different reality? Like today, I was sitting in a medical waiting area surrounded by, shall we say, those less fortunate than I. As soon as I sat down, I was overwhelmed by a strong musty moldy scent. I realized it was coming from the jacket of the woman next to me.

It is a smell I have encountered before at various used clothing stores, a smell common to clothing that has sat untouched in unventilated closets for long stretches of time. A smell I often encounter when I am assisting older people whose homes have not been properly cleaned and are often prone to dampness where mildew can grow unchecked.

I think about moving to another chair, but as I survey the waiting area, I realize everyone there looks as if they are living under less than ideal circumstances and I may be exchanging one unpleasant scent for another. Having lived in less than ideal circumstances myself now and again, I know how difficult it is to stay clean when there is no running water in the place, or no hot water, or no money to do laundry and no way to dry your clothes quickly enough to avoid the musty odor.

I am curious why so many today seem to fit the category. I glance around and see the sign proclaiming "free wellness screening clinic today 9 to 4 only." Ah, that explains it. I examine the faces of my fellow waitees. I find an epidemic of patient discouragement and downtrodden slumped shoulders. I remember being penniless, living in a virtually empty apartment (we had two mattresses and nothing much else), selling my valuables to get milk and bread.

For me, it was a temporary situation. I knew that jobs would come through, things would improve. I could focus my attention on the kids (we read every book in the Little House series that summer - compliments of the local library) and set my hopes on God. In six months or so we were in a better way.

But these people, these forgotten and, in the minds of many, justifiably condemned, have no hope of their situation changing any time soon barring some miracle. They are locked in their poverty, grateful for a handout like this free clinic, willing to put up with the long wait because the waiting room is warm, the chairs more comfortable than a hard floor, the bathroom nearby and with running water. HOT running water.

We like to believe that they are in the mess they are in because they somehow want to be. They could better themselves if they really wanted to. After all, education is free. They just need to quit being so lazy and stupid. Anyone can be a success if they want to. All it takes is hard work and determination.

I used to think that anyone could do anything if they just put their mind to it. But after dealing with training people for such a long time, I have come to realize that its just not true. Some people's brains just don't function in sync with the behaviors needed to succeed. No one would choose poverty intentionally. As much as we want to believe otherwise, not everyone is able to overcome their life's difficult situation.

The woman next to me is called. She rises and walks away from me and I am relieved to be rid of the musty acrid smell. A young man enters the area immediately and takes her seat. Oh, dear God. A very strong smell of urine assaults my nose. He coughs all over me, wiping his nose on his sleeve. Sigh. I hope they call me soon. I am not here for the free clinic. They are calling someone every ten minutes or so.

Meanwhile, I offer the young man a pack of tissues and try to remember times in my past when I have been less than lovely to those I encountered. He snatches the pack from my hands and glares at me as if I have offended him. I pray for him and for the woman who just left that God would touch their lives in positive ways, that their living situations would improve.

And I determine to up my pledge to the Open Door Mission and to the area food banks who help those in less than ideal circumstances. And please, Lord, let them call me soon.