Dave Wheeler

I wanted to share an interesting occurrence that happened a couple of months ago.  I was walking down the hill below Bristol View and right at the intersection of the trail that emerges from Point Defiance Park, a fellow popped out onto the sidewalk.  We both were a bit startled, and in an effort to rectify this awkwardness, we exchanged pleasant greetings.  The fellow was about half my age and dark skinned.  After a bit of conversation, we became more comfortable and continued chatting.

“Do you live at Franke Tobey Jones?” he inquired.

“Yes, we live at FTJ.”

“Do you like it at there?” he asked.

“We are enjoying our stay,” I replied.

“I once worked at FTJ,” he eagerly told me, and I said I hoped his experience was a good one.

“Oh yes,” he replied. “I worked in the dining hall. I was fifteen at the time and I was treated very well.”

We parted and continued on our separate paths but with a pleasant feeling after our exchange.  I felt a sense of joy that not only had I met a new friend but pleased that FTJ had provided a positive environment for a member of our community.

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