The KFC

2002
I simply cannot recall what road we were on, except that we were trying to get from California to Arizona – I think. There are some experiences that are so affecting, so harsh, that time and space fade away. This was one of those experiences, though you might be surprised at how slight it may seem at first. I hurts my soul to this day.
Two friends, a lovely couple, my dog and me. Hitchhiking is all the horrible things that you think it is, but it is also a ride when you are in need. So we were nothing but grateful when a man in a pickup truck offered a lift for a good hundred miles. Since I had my dog, GG with me I sat in the bed of the truck with her. It was cold, very cold, and if you have ever ridden in a pickup truck at 70 miles an hour in the winter, you know what I mean.
I was relieved when he pulled into a Kentucky Fried Chicken place because it meant a break from the freezing wind. I was surprised at this generosity when he asked us to join him in the restaurant. We were living outside, and I’m sure that our clothing and smell reflected that, yet here he was, doing this wonderful thing. I explained that I didn’t feel right leaving my dog, she was still pretty young and we had not been separated. So they went in, and sat down and I sat in the pickup with my dog, dreaming of the wonderful meal that I felt sure they would bring me. You can imagine…we had not had hot food in months, let alone something as tasty as this.
I’m sure my tummy grumbled in delight when they finally approached the truck and the man was holding a small box, walking toward me. Just before he got close enough to hand it to me he stopped, looking at me straight in the eye. Then he fed the food to my dog, and when he handed me the box the only thing left was the biscuit.
What would you have done? We needed this ride. I ate the biscuit and cried for the rest of my life about it. I’m crying now.

Why? What was he trying to say? What was his point? I can tell you my theories: homeless people shouldn’t have dogs or women shouldn’t travel alone or…What does it matter. I had heard it all before. I got his message: in his eyes I was something less than my dog. I didn’t deserve. I needed to be punished.