No Voice

In my 100 things about me list, I mentioned that I ride public transportation and I promised more about that. I knew there would be more because in the 11 years I have been riding Links (a PARAtransit service for disabled, or ill people) there has been at least 1 incident per every 6 months. This is the latest.

I should mention first that I have to be really careful about contracting any communicable diseases because of my health and that of my brother. Sometimes it's difficult because people don't understand how serious even a cold can be, but I've gotten somewhat used to being assertive when it comes to my health. So when the Links driver showed up last week and told me he had no voice, I politely asked if he was contagious, and he whispered, "no, it's just the pollen." Somewhat skeptical, but really without much choice as I had no other transportation to work that day, I boarded the bus. It was then that the driver squeaked out vehemently, "besides, I aint gonna be touching you anyway- do you want to not ride?" and I said, "well we will be breathing the same air, but I have to ride. I just think in your profession, you might consider not coming to work if you are sick..." before I could explain why I held this position, or mention that he transports people on dialysis or chemo therapy and those people don't need to be exposed either, I was interupted with, "I just think you need to mind your own business." To which I said, "there's really no need to be rude," and then he said, "I'm sure you'd keep plenty busy if you minded your own business." And we rode in silence for the 15 minutes until we reached my work place.

It makes me a little sad as I really didn't mean to offend him, and we had gotten along well always before, but c'mon... is it really so much to ask that someone be a little concerned about the people around him? And was it really that offensive?! Not to mention the fact that I'd bet 10 to 1 that he was on a antihistimine for the "pollen" and shouldn't have been driving mass transit anyway.

I would appreciate comments on this blog... maybe you all can give me a different perspective.