I don't know much about hobos. To me, they’ve always been more like imaginary creatures than actual living, breathing human beings. As a kid I loved pretending to be a hobo. I'd walk around my backyard and pretend to light a fire. (I was very creative, I know). I even remember doing a Hobo hike and dinner for a YW activity in Colorado. We walked around a park and then ate beans we heated in cans over a fire. For some reason it must be fun to pretend to be a hobo.When Travis and I moved into our place we heard of hobo camps being nearby. Travis has seen camps in the forest behind our house, so we know they exist. I've never seen any hobos and I've avoided walking in the generally direction of these so-called hobo camps. I prefer to keep hobos in my imagination.
Today, when Shelby and I were out on our daily walk we came to our usual turn-around-point. This point isn't far from home because Shelby walks alongside me instead of being pushed in a stroller. Instead of walking back the way we came like we always do, I decided to cut through the field that leads directly into our neighborhood parking lot. I thought it would be a nice change of pace for Shelby, who was getting a little bored and annoyed with me forcing her to stay on the sidewalks. A little ways into the field I heard some talking and the clanking sounds of dishes being used. I glanced around looking for the source of the noises and to my surprise I saw a hobo camp. A hobo camp filled with people and pets and trash and tents and tarps and boxes and strollers and shopping carts. I really didn't want to bring attention to myself and Shelby by turning around and running, so we kept our pace and continued on our way home. I thought we were safe when we passed the entrance to the camp without being noticed. But, that's when the clanking and the talking stopped. We were spotted. I had to admit I was a little freaked out. I watch way too many CSI shows to know what a group of men can do to a woman and a child. Wouldn’t it be ironic if our bodies were found not even a ½ mile from our house? (Yes, I do have an overactive imagination). I heard talking again, but it took me a minute to realize they were talking to me. A bunch of them said "hello" so I waved my hand up without looking at anyone. Shelby returned their gesture with waves and friendly hellos. Of all the times for Shelby to actually say "hi" when she's supposed to...this wasn't it. We keep walking (at this point I am carrying Shelby so we can walk a bit faster) and I keep glancing back (ever so slightly) to see if anyone has come out to follow. They didn't (as far as I know) and we made it home safe.
Do I really think these guys would have done anything to Shelby and me? No.
Should I have been scared or even a little bit worried? Probably not.
Will I be walking this way again? No. From now on when we arrive at our turn-around-point we will turn around and walk home the way we came.
5 comments:
eek! I don't blame you one bit!
What in the world is going on? We live off of Gibson and just about a block east of Hwy 9. We cross 99 on Gibson to go to church. On the west of HWY 99 and Gibson someone with 10 shopping carts and tarps has set up camp along side of the road. I don't feel safe. Like you said they are just people and I'm sure nothing would happen but I'm not crazy about them being there and afraid that more will follow. Is that bad of me?
Wow...that's craziness! A camp being set up off of Gibson & 99? At least my neighborhood isn't the only one.
I think we all get the email forwards about someone who was nice to a homeless guy in McDonalds or wherever and it made everyone's day and the homeless guy turned out to be someone famous or whatever, and we all say to ourselves we're going to be a little more tolerant and a little more charitable and not be so bothered by the BO and homelessness or it or whatever. But when it comes down to it, even though I tell myself I'm going to be nicer, it's still hard and it's still scary and I'm still not that good at being nicer. And I see homeless people all the time in Seattle. So, I see why you were scared, but you're right, we shouldn't be scared. The fact they said hello to you was nice, and that Shelby said hello back!! Wesley is certainly one to make googly eyes with all sorts of strangers. So I don't know the answer. Just a little at a time I guess.
I feel the same as you! And my kids are always talking at the completely wrong times, like when you are walking by a hobo camp and you feel uncomfortable and you just want to get home....know the feeling! Madelyn, once in Fred Meyer said in a voice way to loud, but not yelling said "Mom, look at the lady's butt, it is so big!!" I was mortified! we walked away to another isle! And then I told her we don't say those kinds of things about people! OH MY GOODNESS!!
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