Barbie Man

In the past year I have made a few friends. In trying to keep myself busy, I have been involved in more school and extra curricular activities. Through these endeavors I have met and made new friends. Jeff, in Cleveland has made a number of friends as well. Probably more because, well, he is more likable. He has made friends with some great people. Some great people that I am excited to get to spend time with when I move out there very soon.

With all this new friend making, I have realized that everyone longs for friends. Everyone needs a friend or two. It is human nature to seek companionship. This holds true from even the strangest of sources.

I think back to where Jeff and I lived last year. It wasn't the best place to be running the streets, as I have mentioned before, but that didn't stop me. I noticed one guy in particular that I often saw walking around these streets. It didn't matter if it was winter, spring, summer, or fall, this man always wore a heavy black trench coat. I'm not easily scared or freaked out, so this did not really bother me. So what? Apparently the guy loved his trench coat. I mean, I wear flip-flops no matter what season it is. That is essentially the same thing. Isn't it? 

Well, while the trench coat didn't bother me, one other little detail about him did. The fact that he had Barbie dolls hanging around his neck. Not just one or two, but about ten of them. And they weren't nice little Barbie's that he dressed in pretty little dresses. They were missing limbs and had black writing all over them. Maybe he had a Barbie fetish, I don't know. What I do know is that it creeped me out. 

One day as Jeff and I were driving someplace, we passed him on the street. I mentioned to Jeff that I see him quite often when I am out running. Jeff, the extremely observant guy that he is, noticed the Barbie dolls hanging around this man's neck and quickly referred to them. He asked if I knew what they stood for. How would I know? It's not like I've had conversations with this man. If I was being completely honest, I'd actually have to say that I run quite a bit faster when he is within sight. So, no, I did not know what they stood for. My husband proceeded to tell me that each Barbie hanging around his neck represented a woman that he has injured. 

Boy, was I happy that I ran a little faster every time I've seen him! Of course, I believed Jeff. He even had highly dependable sources that he referenced in his accusation. Sources who would certainly know that sort of information. However, it was not information that was really given, for it was not true. My sick and twisted husband came up with that sick and twisted reference all on his own. Somewhat frightening isn't it? 

Anyways, each time I saw this guy, I still shied away. Until this one day I had Shea at the park. He was off his leash and chasing his beloved tennis ball. The man with the Barbies was walking past on the other side of the fence. Trying to get Shea's attention I called out, "Hey!" And wouldn't you know, Barbie trench coat man turned, smiled, and waved. 

No doubtably, I waved back. I couldn't help but feel sorry for the guy. I was sure that most people had the same reaction I usually did, even though it was simply running a little faster when I saw him. I couldn't help but think the guy just wanted a friend. The way he waved so quickly when he heard my "hey" was a full-blown sign this guy was not much different than anyone else, he sought human contact (not necessarily physical!). 

Starting that day, I waved to that guy every time I saw him. I never spoke another word to him, but simply waved. He always reciprocated. As Jeff and I no longer live there, I no longer see him. If I do see him again, I have no problem waving, just as long as it isn't in a dark alley!

But, then again, I wouldn't really want to see anyone there!