For the rest of my time I stayed in the Parc Gateway Condo of our Capo 1st Ward friends, Jon & Angi. It was wonderful! The view was great, there were fun activities going on in the courtyard (Thursday night jazz concerts, chalk festival, early morning televised contests and way too many cute kid singing groups-including I later found out our friends the Watson family). I was able to take Trax to and from school each day (Keileigh was happy to keep 'the Bean' and I didn't have to worry about parking on campus) I could study as late as I needed (usually midnight) and arise early(5:30 am) and start over again without bothering anyone. It was a wonderful blessing!
I had many interesting experiences downtown. They are rebuilding everything and it's really fun seeing SLC Rising! On Saturday morning I had a class on campus and went down to catch the University Traxline. That morning as I said my prayers I had a distinct impression that something would happen and that I would be safe. I arose feeling calm but wondering what might happen.
As I waited at the stadium station the Sandy Trax came and the few other people on the platform boarded. Toward the back of the trains I noticed a shirtless man gesturing wildly and yelling profanities at the top of his lungs. He continued to yell and vent and chased the train as it took off down the tracks. I glanced around and noticed that I was the only person left at the station with the increasingly agitated man. He continued his rant but I noticed that a bundle of clothing had been placed nearby which he went to and began to wildly put on his shirt. I realized that he must have been escorted off the train. He came over in front of me and began a diatribe against Salt Lake City, comparing it to his hometown of St Louis. He continued to parade back and forth on the platform always stopping in front of me, grateful to have an audience to hear of the injustices of a city that would throw a man with schizophrenia from public transportation. I nodded gently in agreement, but felt impressed not to engage him in conversation, my purpose was to just be there so that he would have someone to share with. I thought as he wildly gesticulated that this could be bad and yet I felt at peace; the thought that came to mind was the scripture when Jesus walked through the midst of the angry crowd and they could not see him (Luke 4:28-30). I knew that if need be that I would not be visible to this man. This went on for a while, him spouting and strutting, but eventually he made his way down to the corner and I saw him cross the street and head east. About this time a white UTA van pulled up near the station and began to follow him down the street, keeping an eye on his behavior and whereabouts; obviously the situation had been phoned in and backups had been dispatched to the scene.
post script: The following night I was driving back to the condo with Keileigh and Riley when we passed the homeless shelter and lo and behold walking down the middle of the street was this same man. His behavior was much different, he appeared very subdued and obviously medicated. I was reminded of my prayer and shared the promises of protection that were extended to me.
As I waited at the stadium station the Sandy Trax came and the few other people on the platform boarded. Toward the back of the trains I noticed a shirtless man gesturing wildly and yelling profanities at the top of his lungs. He continued to yell and vent and chased the train as it took off down the tracks. I glanced around and noticed that I was the only person left at the station with the increasingly agitated man. He continued his rant but I noticed that a bundle of clothing had been placed nearby which he went to and began to wildly put on his shirt. I realized that he must have been escorted off the train. He came over in front of me and began a diatribe against Salt Lake City, comparing it to his hometown of St Louis. He continued to parade back and forth on the platform always stopping in front of me, grateful to have an audience to hear of the injustices of a city that would throw a man with schizophrenia from public transportation. I nodded gently in agreement, but felt impressed not to engage him in conversation, my purpose was to just be there so that he would have someone to share with. I thought as he wildly gesticulated that this could be bad and yet I felt at peace; the thought that came to mind was the scripture when Jesus walked through the midst of the angry crowd and they could not see him (Luke 4:28-30). I knew that if need be that I would not be visible to this man. This went on for a while, him spouting and strutting, but eventually he made his way down to the corner and I saw him cross the street and head east. About this time a white UTA van pulled up near the station and began to follow him down the street, keeping an eye on his behavior and whereabouts; obviously the situation had been phoned in and backups had been dispatched to the scene.
post script: The following night I was driving back to the condo with Keileigh and Riley when we passed the homeless shelter and lo and behold walking down the middle of the street was this same man. His behavior was much different, he appeared very subdued and obviously medicated. I was reminded of my prayer and shared the promises of protection that were extended to me.
1 comment:
So happy you could stay at the condo - it was so nice to visit you there and have our shopping fun!
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