I was on the bus today on the way to work. I was listening to music and reading my book, minding my own business and the lady 2 seats in front of me turned around and motioned for me to take out my ear phones. I did and she said this to me, "could you bless me with some food?" I felt a sudden rush of guilt. She reminded me of a sweet grandma and I wanted to help her out so badly. I had no cash on me. If I did, I would have happily given her some money for food. I was hoping she was getting off at Rosedale so I could at least buy her something. Looking back on it, I should have asked her to stop at Rosedale with me so I could buy her something before going to work. I only hope our paths can cross again so I can help her out next time. I am not sure why. Homeless people have asked for money before. If I have a couple bucks to spare, I usually do; when I don't have cash, I feel bad, but it never makes me feel as guilty as I did today. All she wanted was something to eat. She wasn't asking for a steak dinner, just something simple and I couldn't give her that. I almost cried and I am almost crying again just thinking about it.
When I was on my dinner break at work, I again felt a rush of guilt. Here I was paying for a meal with no trouble and that poor woman has to beg for money for something small to eat. It can't make her feel proud to do that. I am sure that that's not how she imagined her life to be like; no one does.
It's because of her that I decided I am alway going to carry a few extra bucks just in case something like this happens again. I am not the most religious person, but I couldn't help saying a prayer for her. It's not much, but it's something. I hope that I see her again and next time I can give her some money for food.
I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Events happen because they are meant to teach you something. The smallest things can have the biggest impact on your life.
You're more optimistic than me Tracy. Whenever people ask me for food or money, I just turn them down. I figure they are just begging and giving them money is just going to keep them on the street longer. I guess when I get approached by the same person more than once with the same story, I get a little cynical.
ReplyDeleteI am usually an optimist. I just always feel bad for them. I know there are some homeless people that do take advantage of the money given to them. I also think there are some that really have no other option and they have to beg. I could tell that this lady didn't want to ask for money, but she had no other choice. I guess I just put myself in their shoes.
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