Lost … - Written by Wanda Rodriguez - Written on June 23, 2025 - Published on June 30, 2025

Lost …

Written by Wanda Rodriguez

Written on June 23, 2025 

Published on June 30, 2025

*** NOTE - This was scheduled to be published on Wednesday, June 25th but I did not have reliable access to the wifi during recent travels.  Publication, therefore, had to be postponed.  ***

Strolling through the downtown streets of Seattle has provoked many deep, varied, and sometimes painful emotions, thoughts, and revelations.  One thing I have learned during my limited exposure through time in this city is that there is an endless parade of mixed energies from people all around you.  At times it felt overwhelming to me.  The sights, the sounds, the smells, the people (people ranging from below the poverty line to powerhouse individuals, and everything in between), the tastes, the endless options, the crowds, the public transportation (which was a hot mess), the boat horns in the distance, the security guards at nearly every store entrance, the limited bathroom options, the unique street vendors and performers, the endless ways to get around the city, (feet, bus, e-bike, e-scooter, trolley car, bike surrey, mono-rail, cab, uber, etc.) varied genres of music, and the heightened feeling of awareness as my “spider-senses” (“Peter-tingle”, IYKYK) whip into overdrive, etc.  There’s so much to take in and process that there is an easy, natural progression into feeling like you needed a break (frazzled!).

The piece of it all that struck me the hardest was the sheer number of homeless individuals and people visibly struggling with substance abuse issues, or mental health issues (or both). Noticing swollen legs and feet, damaged skin, tattered clothing, damaged teeth, etc. was no less than heartbreaking.  So many lost individuals roaming the streets of Seattle.  I teared up many times.  One evening, following dinner, I was waiting outside with the leftovers when I was approached by a homeless gentleman who asked if he could have them. Without hesitation, I gladly handed them over, but once he was out of sight, I sat alone on the bench and cried.  Him having to ask for leftovers from patrons of nearby eateries ripped me apart inside.  It’s times like this that I wish I had a “magic wand” that I could simply wave and instantly restore their lives to a better, healthier place.  Sadly, it doesn't work that way.

Everyone you meet, wherever you are, is someone’s child.  I can guarantee that no mother ever said something like, I hope my child grows up to be homeless or struggle with mental health issues, or worse. I know this, for certain, as I am one of those mothers.  A mother who held my child tight, fell helplessly in love, tried to protect, guide and encourage her throughout her life.  Despite our best efforts (mine and Dave’s), her life took the direction it was going to take.  It reached the point of being beyond our control.  Parenting is not for the faint of heart.

My daughter is lost and alone and wandering.  It has been a year since our last contact, but I have had, what I call, confirmation of life.  She has been spotted a few times, by friends or family, during this time.  It breaks my heart to know that she is out there all alone, suffering the elements, scrounging for food or smokes, lost within herself and her own mind.  When I see homeless people on the streets, it pierces my heart deeply because of my own sweet girl.  

Let this serve as a reminder to us all to be kind to others and provide support where you can.  Don’t be too quick to harshly judge those you encounter who are less fortunate in whatever way.  Things can change on a dime, for anyone.  Through my tears at the sight of so many lost individuals, I often remind myself, “But by the grace of God…” 1 Corinthians 15:10, as it could just as easily be me (or you!).  Do me a favor and remind yourself that they are people too, someone’s child, and they deserve to be treated with respect and kindness.  

Thank you for joining me in this journey.  I apologize for the delay in posting but I am currently in a location with spotty wifi at best.  Please keep my daughter, and others suffering in similar situations, lifted up in your prayers.  -Wanda