Raj

Raj owns and works the gas station/convenience store down from my home.  It is a small shop with a cooler full of soda/pop/water/beer and displays of candy, chips, and nuts.  Behind the plexi glass, you can purchase liquor and cigarettes. The plexi glass has been in place before the pandemic.  Employees wear masks.  Recently, the Center for Disease Control recommended those who have been fully vaccinated may now stop wearing masks.  That subject has been the topic of many conversations. This day, however, it seems that another conversation was to be had. 

My husband has been a customer for several years and always exchanged pleasantries with Raj but never had a conversation. Today, my husband came home with the story.  They had exchanged the usual pleasantries, and then Raj added, ”I guess we won’t be wearing these (the masks)  much longer.”  In a soft voice, Raj said, “Not all countries will be able to stop wearing masks.” 

At that moment, my husband realized that Raj had just shared that his family was in the midst of the worst pandemic outbreak. “Where does your family live, Raj?” 

As Raj lowered his head and replied, “India.” His body language told the entire story.  The daily infections and daily deaths are at staggering highs.   

Immediately, my husband gave him solace by asking if his family was safe and telling him how sorry he was that his family was in that predicament. Raj seemed to welcome the words of comfort.  It became clear that  Raj was dealing with guilt that he would be able to take his mask off without fear of being becoming ill or being a victim of Covid-19, but his family in India would not be able to remove their masks.  Raj was visibly upset.  There may never be another conversation at the gas station of this depth, but this day, it was the most important conversation. 

From this story told to me by my husband, I hope to remember that just because it is not happening to me doesn’t mean that it isn’t happening to someone.  You know the old adage:  out of sight, out of mind.  Being a good neighbor may be the most powerful act of compassion. Challenge accepted.