Today was a strange day.
On the way home from Liam's speech therapy today I was waiting in the insane traffic (oh fair time you're fantastic. or notsomuch). I noticed a homeless guy with a sign up ahead. For some reason I felt compelled to give him something. I'm sure this spurred from how overly full I felt from my fabulous (no sarcasm it was really yum) dinner at the mall. And how even though times are tough for me I'm so dang lucky and blessed and have so much.
Normally I would have leftovers but I ate all my food tonight. So I saw that little bit of change in my door and grabbed 2 bottled waters and offered it to him with apologies.
He was filthy. In the long time filth way. Not I rolled in dirt to scam you way. He was thankful. He was humble but still flashed a smile that you know once upon a time made girls swoon when he was boyish and carefree.
I wondered what he'd been like before. How he'd gotten to where he was. I wished I had more time. I wish I'd had the nerve to take a picture of him.I wish I had a better camera so I could start capturing all the random people in this world who are so unnoticed (unintentionally and intentionally) and capturing them for my old mind.
Instead I was honked at. And he thanked me again for what was less than a dollar certainly assuring me that sometimes he only gets 8 cents but it's 8 cents more than he started the day with.
I drove off in tears. Glad I was a handful of change less but filled so much more in the heart.
This from the girl who always says NEVER give money to "homeless" people because there are so many scammers. Today I just wish I'd had more cash on me. Five dollars could have changed his life. I just hope someone else was inspired to give him more. And that he is inspired to try to find help and make changes in his life.
I need to volunteer. Pronto. It's time to give back. For all the pity parties I want to have just looking at the pathetic handful of change, in my hand with quite the ring on it, in my newer car, with my expensive car seats on my kids, and though much of our clothes are second hand (some for practical reasons some for financial reasons) we still have SO MUCH in SO MANY ways.
I think I'll keep food in my car again. Once upon a time I carried granola bars around for homeless people I saw. It's been a long time. I'm thinking mini bags of goodness. Bottle of water. Note of good cheer. Granola bar. Maybe a pb&j (hey, if I don't see anyone for a few days I know the kids will eat it).
So much for this being a "photo" blog. Seems I have a lot to say. <3
2 comments:
I have mixed feelings about people on the side of the road. There's so many local news stories about how they're an organized effort, etc. It's hard to tell.
But at the shelter, nobody is faking. And I know that an animal in need is not the same as a man in need but oh how it makes me sad and happy all at the same time and it's making a tremendous effect on my nephews. If your kids wouldn't be too overstimulated, consider hitting the shelter for an hour. Brush a cat, pet some dogs. It makes a difference.
Love it! How about ziploc baggies with toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash... other personal care items???
You have a great heart, M
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