Letter Six: Of a Stranger

To he who knows not my name yet.

Dear Stranger,

I always wonder if you get tired of hearing those "STRANGER DANGER, STRANGER DANGER" alerts from parents and teachers everywhere.  I mean, it's not as if you're always a pedophile, right?  In fact, the stranger I'm writing to probably isn't a pedophile, just another person, like I am to you.  When you're a kid, the rule of thumb is to never talk to strangers or take anything they give you.  But what if that stranger tells beautiful stories, or gives only hope and courage?  Isn't that something we should all claim, instead of prejudicing this new friend and shunning his or her every word?

I know it's difficult telling the difference between somebody who really cares and a total creeper.  Trust me, I understand.  But, stranger, it's not only sympathy I carry for you, for your unfortunate stereotype as the weirdie who stalks children all day in a white van luring them with candy in your bear suit.  I also come bearing advice, from one stranger to another.

I'm sure you have a story.  But sadly, I'm unable to hear it because of terrible one-sidedness of this letter.  I'd like you to know that I too have a story, and though it has seriously impacted my life, it probably doesn't look like I've experienced what I have experienced.  With the persona I put on, you wouldn't think I am the person that I truly am.  So what I'm saying is, don't assume all strangers are bad, or that they really are what they act to be.  They just might surprise you.  Give people a chance.

Love always,

Mia