We were at the mill only one day this week, since both Summit and AFP were closed Saturday. It was a tough crowd that went into AFP on Friday–a lot of colorful language and a few threatening gestures. One woman’s responses to us were almost screamed, though she was just as loud with her comments to the abortuary’s personnel. About 45 minutes into the morning, the door was struck from the inside and flew open. She came out, looking ready to kill. A woman joining us for the first time, Sarah, approached her and gave her a gentle pat on the shoulder. I thought, “Great. Sarah’s first time out and she’s going to get slugged.” But the woman continued on down the sidewalk and left for good.
A man who balled his fists at Chris and challenged him to fight displayed a completely different diposition towards our voiceless sidewalk counselor. Alicia, after her vocal cord surgery, was still on complete voice rest. But using a white board, she held the angry man in conversation for about five minutes. When I approached to explain why she could not talk, he told me to go away. (OK!) There was another boyfriend sitting in his car who put his head out the window and called, “Hey, come here.” I started to walk over, but he called back, “No, not you. The lady in black.” He too insisted on talking to Alicia. Should this be our new tactic? All comments shall be made on dry erase boards?
Two squad cars showed up. Both officers were inside the abortuary about 15 minutes. They didn’t speak to us.
