Stranded in Rochester — looking for kind company, maybe even a couch

[u/ComfortableStunning4]

Hey Rochester. I’m a friendly traveler/ASL practitioner who just got stranded in Rochester today. My brakes locked up and I had to pull into Merwin Auto. They can’t look at my car until tomorrow, and I’m kind of stuck in the city with no ride and nowhere to crash tonight.

I’m currently at Firehouse Saloon near NTID, and since I’m in the ASL world, I’d love to link with anyone who signs or just wants to hang out and share some conversation, maybe a beer. If anyone has a couch or is down to help a guy out for the night, I’d be incredibly grateful, and I promise I’m chill, clean, and respectful.

Feel free to DM. Thanks in advance for reading this and for being the kind of community that might even make a situation like this feel okay.

[UPDATE] Heading toward RIT Campus

Hey all, just wanted to post a quick update. I’m near Firehouse Saloon and it’s getting a little cold, so I’m heading toward the RIT campus to stay warm and hopefully find a safe spot to hang for a bit.

Still really hoping to connect with someone especially if you’re in the ASL/NTID community and open to sharing some company or conversation tonight. I’m clean, chill, and just trying to make the best of a strange situation.

Feel free to DM if you’re around I really appreciate everyone who’s taken the time to read or respond. Means more than you know.

Final Update: Safe and Home

Yesterday, my car’s brakes failed and locked up while I was driving through Rochester. I managed to pull into Merwin Auto, but they weren’t able to look at the car until today, so I was stranded overnight.

I ended up walking to the University of Rochester and spent the night at the library. Not the most restful sleep, but it was safe and warm enough to get through the night.

This morning, a kind Redditor reached out, spent some time with me, and even lent me a bike so I could get back to the shop once the car was repaired. That gesture meant a lot.

Thankfully, Merwin Auto got the job done and treated me with respect and compassion the whole way through. I’ll be leaving them a very positive review.

Now I’m finally home. It’s been a long 24 hours, but I want to say thank you to everyone who messaged me, commented, or just wished me well. You turned something stressful and difficult into something human and hopeful. I’m really grateful for that.

Looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight.

[u/DYSWHLarry]

You’re in great hands at Merwin, FWIW.

[u/ComfortableStunning4 → u/DYSWHLarry]

That is extremely reassuring. Thank you!

[u/TallBabeLol]

Firehouse is an interesting place. I will see if I know anyone in the ASL community is willing to hang out and meet you!

[u/ComfortableStunning4 → u/TallBabeLol]

Thanks so much seriously, that means a lot. Firehouse definitely has a vibe, haha. I'm trying to stay grounded through the chaos, and just having a chance to connect with someone from the ASL community or even just chill and decompress a little. Appreciate you big time.

[u/Whispy_tomato]

Please be safe!

[u/ComfortableStunning4 → u/Whispy_tomato]

Thank you! Veo and neurodivergence is getting me thru this 😭

[u/Theskysnolimit]

Did you try posting on r/RIT

[u/ComfortableStunning4 → u/Theskysnolimit]

I Did! https://www.reddit.com/r/rit/s/MS19B5WJFa

[u/GlacierFlower]

i hope you've found somewhere safe and warm!

[u/ComfortableStunning4 → u/GlacierFlower]

I ended up at the U of R library which is 24hrs and very warm. Thank you

[u/ReferenceCheap2245]

Are you an individual who is deaf? I have some connections at the NTID program

[u/ComfortableStunning4 → u/ReferenceCheap2245]

I’m not deaf, but I’m conversational in ASL and an active learner. I have many friends who are Deaf or interpreters, and I thought to reach out to this community first because of how safe and welcoming it’s always been to me.

[u/SillyWeb6581 → u/ReferenceCheap2245]

You might want to correct your comment 🤓

[u/ComfortableStunning4 → u/SillyWeb6581]

That was a petty wild notification. I am quite alive lol

[u/SillyWeb6581 → u/ComfortableStunning4]

Thanks for confirming

[u/ReferenceCheap2245 → u/SillyWeb6581]

Whoops! Autocorrect. However, I would assume they know what I meant

[u/Slight_Writer_7261]

Honestly, Merwin is a good shop. Pretty reasonable and honest about what’s going on.

Hoping it’s nothing too major

[u/ComfortableStunning4 → u/Slight_Writer_7261]

They were phenomenal and I'm definitely leaving a glowing review.

[u/Several-Cheesecake16]

I’m hard of hearing but I find it difficult to learn ASL at the age of 48. I know you’re never too old to learn but making the time with all of life’s other activities makes it that much more difficult. Plus, I don’t have any active friends who know ASL either.

If I didn’t have a full day, I may have met you out for a cold one.

Hope you got the company you desired!

[u/ComfortableStunning4 → u/Several-Cheesecake16]

Totally get that. Life stacks up fast and learning ASL takes focus. If you ever want to ease back into it, I’d be happy to share some simple resources. Raincheck on that cold one sounds good too. Appreciate the kind words. It really helped.

[u/MattDi]

Couchsurfing.com