She said no to a photo, but yes to a hug. And this is okay, because the photos really aren’t the point of this project.
Sometimes with a stranger there are just falling, sobbing tears and listening to her describe her life coming apart at the seams while her body shakes and people walk by. Sometimes your heart aches for the places people have arrived at in their lives, and the ache for the pain that must exist in those around them — suffering from the way pain can affect choice and the way choice can create pain.
We may not be politicians or counselors. We may not have answers. But we have ears that listen and arms that can embrace, and a voice that can say, “I’m sorry you’re struggling.”
When you see her, this pain (and she may come in any age, gender, race, place or time), if you think you can, hug her. Listen to her. Sometimes it’s all we can do.