We all have to commute to get to work, some drive, some take public transportation and some lucky bastards like me get to just walk to work. A good 25 minutes walk in the morning is delightful in my books, regardless of the weather or temperature, I can dress for the occasion. And to be honest, I’d get so agitated and filled with even more hate if I had to share my time to work in a stuffy crowded streetcar or subway…

So as I walk each morning and evenings, I’m a witness to many things, some funny, some not.

I grew up with a cousin who had Downs Syndrome. Maybe I became very sensitive to it because of my closeness to it. I adore them. In my experience, they are so filled with joy and and often don’t realize that there are bad people out there. So it breaks my heart in pieces when I witness what I’d consider involuntary acts involving people living with Downs Syndrome. Like this time, last week, on my way to work when I saw this welfare recipient looking bottle blond bitch smoking outside a hospital with what I’m sure was a close relative with Downs. I watched her lit two cigarettes at a time and give one to the young adult. I fucking lost my shit and just unloaded all over her:

Me: I know the first thing you’re going to say is that it’s none of my business, but is there a reason your brother or son is smoking? With all the challenges he already faces, I can’t believe you’d want to add cancer to that.
Her: Mind your fucking business. (cough, cough)
Me: I win. I knew you’d say just that. Clever argument indeed.

I didn’t stick around. Not that I’m a coward when it comes to situations like these because I wouldn’t have said anything in the first place, but you know when someone doesn’t care enough to want to make a change… My cousin grew up in a house of smokers but they all had enough sense to not light one up for him and get him addicted. I’m so thankful for that.

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