Today as I entered the Post Office on one of the busiest days of the year (tax day). I saw a woman with two small children holding a sign asking for help. While I waited inside, my mind wandered to someone I love, who was an amazing advocate for the homeless: Dick York. In his later years, even though he was stricken by emphysema & constantly hooked to an oxygen tank, he was completely selfless, making calls to get items donated to homeless shelters. In one of our last conversations, he told me that one of the kindest things you can do for someone who is homeless is to give them something to eat. Instead of handing out money, he chose to hand out sandwiches. When I walked outside, I went to my car & grabbed 3 bananas from a grocery bag in the back. I gave them to the lady along with a few dollars. Then I reached into my purse & took out two small toys that we'd gotten at a Japanese restaurant last night (a slinky & a small car) & handed them to the kids. The little boy looked at me, smiled & hugged my leg. The mom thanked me profusely. As I drove away they were all eating the bananas. I agree with Dick York (my beloved Darrin-Daddy) about giving people food, but I think you should also give them 'hope' & let them know that someone cares.
2 comments:
During the last few years of my grandmother's life, she used to create little snack baggies with water, a candy treat, chips, whatever fits into the ziploc bag. Whenever she would see either a homeless person or the Homeless Voice street collectors, she would give the snack baggie to them. I also remember when I was a little girl, Grandma and I befriended an one-armed homeless man- we would give him some money or something from the grocery store (where he camped), or nearby Wendy's chili. We would have conversations with him and I was fascinated by how he could balance whatever we or someone else gave him with his one arm like he had two, or four. It's been over 5 years since I lost my grandmother and whenever I see a homeless man or Voice, I would give him/her something- makes me feel closer to my grandmother besides feeling good to help.
My friends call me a sap because cannot pass up anyone asking for help. Whether I am a sap or not I know at least I still have a little compassion for others and I feel better about myself.
Post a Comment