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.
