The opportunity to disrupt the daily routine of others doesn’t present itself often. Send Silence Packing has given us the rare privilege to ask others to stop for a moment, to be curious and ask questions, and to experience something they aren’t accustomed to seeing. Thursday we saw a community connect with one another through the power of human emotion.

Everyday we go to work, we go to school, visit stores, churches, cities and businesses. We sit next to one another on trains, on buses and in cars. We take care of our families and friends, and of ourselves. Everyday, we choose what parts of ourselves we expose to one another.

Chicago was not like any other display we’ve had so far. While each display impresses us and teaches us new things, Chicago touched us on an entirely new level. It was as if every person walking through Daley Plaza that day had something in common and a story to share.

I believe that it is our capacity for being human that is truly our great equalizer. Because for a moment, it didn’t matter if you were a business person, a college student, a homeless person, a stroke victim, a secretary, a teacher, a child, a doctor, a traveler, a mother or a father— everyone stopped and shared a common bond.

One woman had come down from her office that morning surrounded by co-workers. She was in tears before she even began to read the bags. Her friends explained that just two weeks ago, her son had taken his life. Her friends gathered all of the resources they could for her, and they stood right beside her as she read each and every backpack.

At the end of the day a woman came down from her office and shared with us in our guest book:

“Today we came out to see what was happening only to learn about the things that others have gone through. After lunch we went back upstairs to learn that all the tears that were coming from a co-worker of 11 years were because she lost her best friend to suicide. It is amazing because after all the time of knowing her, she had never shared her story with us until today.”

Thursday taught me that we can be more than just co-workers and acquaintances. We can be people and we can invite those around us in and for a moment and share something real. Every person that you pass on the street has a story to share. We are all just waiting for the right time for someone else to listen.

While it was one of our most physically challenging and long days, it was also one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. It is my wish that I could somehow convey the beauty I saw in each and every person that day, but I don’t think words or pictures can really do it a justice. All I can say is thank you, Chicago. Thank you for being open and supportive and more than anything, thank you for sharing your stories.

More from our guest book:

“Your stories are profound and powerful, share them, we are all listening.”

“I am thankful everyday that I had a mom I could talk to and when I dreamed of dying, she was there to bring me through the darkness, into the light.”

“Dear John, well what can I say? There will always be anger and grief, though I am 57, you’ll always be my older brother. Why did this happen? Why?”

“My son is not respresented here. How lukcy I am that I have him to still hug. He reaches out, we were able to get him help before he could be on a list like this. But I’m always scared, he’s just starting collge this year. To others I would simply say, extreme, radical, dedicated loving time makes the difference.”

“You saved my life.”

If you attended this display, please take a moment to complete a survey, thank you.