PLEASE MEET JEAN:
Out of mind but not sight. The corner of Rainier and Dearborn. Any corner. On any street- another soul, another sign. Another sign of the times. She’s there. Pulling at our peripheral vision. But we focus ahead. At a red light. Then she’s gone. Like a lamp post. Or a fire hydrant. When we don’t pay attention.
Jean’s feet hurt. Another full day on the pavement. She’s tired. Normally all smiles, today she worries about her partner. His aggressive brain cancer is approaching advanced stages. “I’m living a nightmare. He’s not the same. He gets confused. He’s verbally abusive sometimes. He leaves and I don’t know where he goes. I’m worried.” There’s tears. But soon enough, smiles and more conversation. Jean smiles a lot.
Jean grew up in Seattle on Capital Hill. Raised in a family with a house and parents. She attended St Joseph Catholic School and Holy Names Academy, an all girls private school. She loved it. And the nuns taught her well. To pay attention. She got caught smoking cigarettes once. But the nuns liked her too much to punish her. Her father ran a janitorial business where she eventually worked. But a few years back some things went wrong. Jean lost her job and Jim became sick. They have had trouble staying sheltered. They’ve lived in motels and rental spaces. Always struggling anymore. “I’ve lived very comfortably most of my life. I’m not used to living this way. It’s scary and unnerving.”
Currently Jean and Jim are holding on to their small room, but barely. Jean is overwhelmed with financial pressures, doctor logistics and other problems related to Jim’s illness. She is entirely focused on supporting Jim in what will likely be his final days. Jim has been a good partner to Jean. Jean is there for him 200%.
Jean loves interacting. A regular passer-by honks and waves. “Most people are friendly. When they aren’t I just blow them a raspberry.” Jean provides a loud audio example, which got my attention.
What would she like most? “Some peace and quiet. Some time to deal with my own thoughts.” When asked what she wants other people to know, she said, “Don’t sneer. Don’t just drive by. Stop and listen. Pay attention. Pay attention.”
If you are in the neighborhood, consider paying a little attention to Jean. You won’t regret it. Maybe Just Say Hello. There is easy parking off Dearborn. Jean also needs sturdy shoes, maybe even light boots with good internal support, size 8.5. Warm socks, and size 12 petite stretchy pants. If you can help, please dropOFF or shipTO: Facing Homelessness c/o Jean, 4001 9th Ave NE, Seattle WA 98105.
Judkins Park Neighborhood | Damian
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