To Sleep, Perchance to Dream

Sometimes, I keep odd hours. 

This past summer, I went to use the bank machine at about 5:30 am.   When I pulled into the parking lot, there was a security vehicle  at the entrance.  I thought I wouldn't be able to go in but I was.  The security guard inside was just supervising the exit of someone who had been sleeping in the ATM area.  That was in the summer. 

In the last two weeks, I have used my bank machine three times after midnight.  Each time, I have interrupted a different person trying to sleep.  It has been a scary experience.  For them.  Each time, they are awoken by the sound of the door.  They are immediately alert and start sizing me up as they are very vulnerable and hold their possessions close to them.  One woman.  Two men.  I've been quick so I can't estimate their ages but all adults.  Once they see, I am just using the bank machine and I am not a threat, they relax.  As I leave, I say, "stay safe".  Two of them have said sincere thank-yous.  The third said, "thanks for noticing me."  Sleeping on the floor of a bank lobby can not be restorative sleep.   The lights are always on.  There is people coming in at all hours.  You are vulnerable. 

Restorative sleep is essential for everyone to function optimally. 

I live exactly 9.2 km from downtown Winnipeg.  I know because there are certain circumstances under which I can claim mileage.  9.2 km is a long way to go when you don't have a car or are carrying everything you own with you.  I like to think that the homeless are only in the downtown core.  They are not.  There are everywhere.  They have to be desperate for somewhere to sleep if they are choosing a bank lobby. 

I wanted to talk to each of them.  I wanted to know their stories.  But, I didn't want to take their time and interrupt their sleep because I know sleep is a valuable commodity. 

I hope they were able to get to deep enough sleep and have dreams.  Dreams are important. 

No one dreams that they are going to end up trying to sleep in a bank lobby on a November night. 

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