I had a panic attack about 8:00 last night, beginning at the Flying Saucer and continuing on a green park bench on the Main Street Mall. It was the first one I’ve ever had in my life.
There was no one major cause of the attack – rather, about a dozen stimuli/frustrations that added up. Also, my intuition was telling me I was in danger if I remained on Downtown’s streets all night long. It was past the Union Mission’s closing time.
I put an SOS out on Facebook explaining the situation. Several friends said I should go to the ER but I don’t have health insurance. Finally, after about an hour a kind friend messaged me that I could crash in her spare room about 5 blocks away. I walked over there and after about 30 minutes, fell asleep, safely off the streets for the night.
It’s 10:50 Monday morning as I type this at the Memphis Chess Club. I have $6 in my pocket that I will use to get into the Union Mission tonight. So dinner and a place to sleep are guaranteed.
Apology
…to the anonymous person who sent me half a sandwich and chips at the Saucer. When I left, I was freaking out so bad that I couldn’t handle carrying a to-go box around. I appreciate the generous gesture and I am sorry your food went uneaten. I sure wish I had it this morning.
Reminder
If you ask someone “What’s going on with Paul?”, please make sure the person you’re asking
- lives in Memphis; and
- has had recent face-to-face contact with me.
Thanksgiving
I’ve accepted an invitation from friends in the service industry to come to the Thanksgiving dinner they are having. So I won’t be alone on the holiday.
I’m gonna spend my remaining time at the Chess Club reading spiritual authors’ articles on Medium. Linh Hunyh and Anne Bellamy are two of my favorites.
Thanks for reading. Back tomorrow with the usual blog stuff.
I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com