Dear Friends,
Though I’m done with subbing for the year, I drove my kids to school this morning. They generally ride the bus, unless they present a convincing plea. The delicate daughter has perfected the art of pleading. This morning’s plea began last night. She had the Chemistry Regents today and was concerned about AM cafeteria crowding…. The big son’s eighth-grade graduation was also today.
After the AM school drop off, I merrily made my way back home. I was thinking about what to wear for the “Recognition Ceremony” and was hoping I plucked everything in need of plucking. Not fully concentrating, I had to pull my giant vehicle left to avoid a gent walking roadside. If Nair and tweezers hadn’t been invented, we might be related. He was unkempt in appearance. He wore a cap which concealed his eyes. He was quite thin and his shoulders were slumped, but he held his fist erect. His thumb was up and my head was down. Why? Every time I pass a hitchhiker, I picture Stephen King. Then I think – this person is not a wolf…
I often brag how tough I am. My inner-tomboy would whomp anyone bringing discomfort to my loved ones. Why does the little girl in me say, ‘keep driving….’ when she sees a thumb up. I feel tremendous guilt passing hitchhikers by, but I continue to do so. Maybe if the times were different, maybe. Hitchhikers are not wolves…hitchhikers are not wolves…
Thank you and goodnight. May your dreams be protected by Sweet Lobo of Moon Clan.
(This is a detail of a 5′ x 5′ oil painting on canvas, I think I painted this wolf about 6 years ago)
anntogether 
AnnMarie, I know just how you feel about hitchhikers. I often feel that way about the people (mostly men) who hang out at the upscale mall with their guitars and dogs, holding a sign that says “Need work/food/gas money/what-have-you.” Sometimes I give; other times I withhold — and feel guilty as hell.
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I know that darn guilt. I’m not really sure. I give to every Santa with a bucket during the holidays and sometimes to subway musicians when I get to the city which isn’t too much lately. I think if a hitchhiker appeared in dire straights I might be more inclined – I don’t know and I often have my kids with me in which case I just can’t do it. Still though, it’s a lousy feeling…
AnnMarie 🙂
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