I have a friend who is homeless. He is wheel-chair bound, has only one leg, a long gray beard and soft green eyes that have a lot of kindness in them. Every weekday when I leave work, he is there on my way to the parking garage. He puts his cup out on the sidewalk and never asks passersby for money. Instead, he keeps track of who goes by and builds friendships. And because of this he is very approachable. Somedays I can put a dollar in the cup, other days it's just some loose change, or I'll hand him part of my lunch, but I will always stop and say hello and talk to him and ask how he's doing. And others do the same.
He's very complimentary, my friend. "Nice hair!" "You've got a kind heart." "That's a great color on you." Is it a survival mechanism? I don't think so. He is kind, centered, and has built community around him. He's the type of guy where, in the triple-digit heat when I asked him how he was fareing, instead of complaining he said, "I'm just thankful for the breeze." : )
Yesterday was not the greatest day at work. Yes, I got great news about the genetic test results, but my work day was tough, and as I approached my friend at the end of my day, I was in thought. I stopped to say hello and he asked how I was. I said, "Not every day can be a good one, but every day is a blessing." He thought about it and said, "That's very true. My grandma taught me that you should count your blessings every day." We talked a little, and he got excited like he suddenly thought of something. "Wait," he said, "I have something to make your day better!" He hopped up on his leg and started rummaging through various bags all attached to the back of his wheelchair. He said, "A lady gave me a bag of these and it's just the thing to make your day better." Finally he found it. He produced a small, bite-sized Milky Way candy. He gave it to me to improve my day. It was a small gesture from one friend to another...and then he gave me a hug.
You know what? He was right! It made my day. : ) And I don't even know his name...but today, I'll ask.
3 comments:
I asked his name today: Robert DeGenero. I also asked if he needed a sleeping bag, but he declined saying that he has one and can only use one. But he did need a shoe, size 12. The ones he was wearing were wore. Problem is, he only needs a right one as he only has one leg. I'm on a shoe hunt. : )
He may be homeless but he is very rich. You are better for being his friend. And it didn't cost either of you a thing! Lovely lesson.
Anush jan, reading this post actually made my day too! Thank you love.
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