Without Saying A Word

Sometimes, relatability's the best medicine.

I truly believe that.

I'm sitting at a table by the windows today at a local cafe I like. It's only about a quarter full, but people are coming and going at a steady clip. There's a bigger table next to mine and, out of the corner of my eye, I see a dad and his toddler scouting it out. They look kind of familiar and I'm thinking I've seen them here before. Something's different, though.

This kiddo's wearing ear protection like he's about to do yard work and, immediately, I relate. Whether he gets overstimulated in crowded places or just really likes lawn mowers, I'm in. We're best friends now.

I'm wearing a pair of high-fidelity, Loop earplugs under my noise canceling headphones and this toddler is making me feel less alone. His dad looks tired, and I feel for him, too. It's not easy corralling someone with noise sensitivities. Actually, it's not easy being overstimulated or being responsible for someone who's feeling overstimulated. Period.

But relatability helps.

I believe it even more now.

---

Our Daily MAP Year Prompt
267/365

When's the last time someone else made you feel less alone without saying a word?

onward.

For more on this daily column and The MAP Year Project, read the backstory here. And if you know someone who'd appreciate this, pass it along.