PLEASE MEET SCOTT :
A little over a month ago Scott Lee Schultz passed away.
When we first met, Scott was sitting on the curb. I said hello and asked if I could sit with him for a moment. Like many people were, I was simply drawn to him, he had the sweetest dearest face.
He told me a bit of his life, but mostly I was listening to the charm he had about him, his eyes had a twinkle, with so much kindness. Ten or so minutes into our talk he pulled out a little harmonica, playing and singing beautifully. His charm kept adding layers of smiles for me.
I told him how lovely his voice is, he started to cry, then told me not to worry, that he cries easily, something about tears of sunshine. I asked about the harmonica. He said he loves to play but his favorite instrument is the Jaw Harp. When I posted Scott's love of the Jaw Harp on this page, Gwen Fodge beautifully donated two to him! He was overjoyed!!
Scott lived homeless for years. Fortunately he was able to find housing for the last three of his life. Also fortunately, he was close to his mom Kathleen, who over the years was his advocate, helping him navigate physical / mental health and housing issues.
Yesterday I spoke with Kathleen, who is 81 years old. It was easy to feel Scott's bright light through her. Even on the phone you could feel her own wonderful charm. She told me this would be a difficult conversation but that it was good for her.
Scott was born in Texas, July 24, 1960. Kathleen told me they moved around because Scott's dad was a pilot in the Air Force. For that reason, Scott went to school in Texas, then Guam, Florida, Kansas, New York, back to Kansas, Utah, and finally to Seattle for his senior year at Bush High School.
Kathleen remembers the effort needed to get Scott into Bush. She was told they didn't accept transfers into the senior year. After a long back and forth, they agreed to test Scott. The day after Kathleen received a phone call saying Scott would be allowed to attend, they told her his test score was the highest they had ever seen. Kathleen told me that was the case for every school Scott attended. He was brilliant.
Scott was knowledgeable across all subjects. He was a voracious reader, taught himself to read at a very young age. He wanted to read the newspaper to follow the Vietnam War where his dad was serving, and eventually died.
More than anything Scott loved people and people loved him. Kathleen was told by three of Scott's teachers that when Scott was on the playground, there was no bullying. He had that calming way with people.
I'm so very grateful for my brief friendship with Scott. Also, I feel touched to have had such a beautiful conversation with Kathleen about her remarkable son.
LOVE to you Scott and to your beautiful family. RIP.
Capital Hill Neighborhood | Rex
A QUIET THOUGHT - If you're moved by the goodness of this community, please visit http://www.facinghomelessness.org/ and click on the 'donate' button and consider a "monthly recurring" donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!
#Kindness #JustSayHello #FacingHomelessness Crosscut KING 5 Gwen Fodge