I had to make a run to Wally World to get some more bubble wrap. Today is really my last chance to get everything fully packed up before the move to the townhouse. I almost didn't leave the house today, I started to say.. "Screw it if they get broke" and box them up anyways. Knowing this wasn't the smartest choice for me.. I threw on some clothes (didn't want to go in the Hubby's boxers and a tank top haha) and Finally went.
As I was pulling up to the Red Light to leave Wal Mart, I saw a man sitting at the corner by the light. He was dirty, looked as if he hadn't showered or shaved in days and his clothes were dirty and were wearing holes in them. The man also looked as if he hadn't eaten in a while. His clothes were loose and he had to constantly pull his pants up.
He wasn't asking for money, he wasn't saying he was Homeless. He simply had a small sign that said he was looking for work and that anything would help.
I knew I had a couple bucks in my pocket, so I honked the horn and the man walked to the window. I handed him what was in my pocket.. which was exactly $2. He teared up as he took it and said "God Bless you". My heart broke. All I had was $2 bucks. What is that going to buy this man?
As the man was walking back to his backpack that was leaning up against the light post, I noticed his backpack was ragged and just dingy as the man was. I also noticed an Army patch sewn to his backpack. I wasn't and am still not sure if this man was ever in the service, but I knew I needed to help. My heart broke for this man.
I went straight home. I had just bought the husband a bunch of little snackable foods for the ship.. and I knew this man needed them far more than my husband would, and I know that my hubby would have smiled if he knew what I was about to do. I filled a grocery bag with a couple bottles of water, several packages of cheese crackers, tunafish and crackers, a few cans of Vienna sausages and a couple apples. I grabbed the keys and headed out the door. On my way back to the Red light at the Wal Mart parking lot entrance, I stopped at Burger King and got his man a burger, fries, and a coke. Stuck the B.K. bag into the grocery bag and made my way to the redlight. I knew it wasn't much, but I did was I was able to.
I pulled back up to the light, the man noticed me again. I waved him over again and he walked up and I handed him the bag and Said, "I hope you like Burger King!". The man smiled and his eyes teared up as he told me, "You don't know how much this means to me. God Bless you. Thank you so much Miss." I smiled. Said it's not much, but it's all I can do. He smiled and noticed my shirt. I'm wearing a "Navy Wife" shirt. He then said, "Thank you so much, it's more than you know. Tell you husband thank you for his service.".
As I was driving home, all I can think about this man. He is probably in his early 50's. I don't know who he is, where he came from or anything about his past. All I saw was a man that needed help, and all he was asking for was "work" as if he didn't want it handed to him. I obviously couldn't give him a job, but I wasn't going to let this man go hungry.. at least not for today, and I gave him enough that he should be good for tomorrow as well.
It really makes me stop and think about things.. I got the reminder that there is always someone who needs help, even if they don't ask for it.
Makes me think of the quote from the book Dear John that I love:
"When you're struggling with something, look at all the people around you and realize that every single person you see is struggling with something, & to them, it's just as hard as what you're going through."
... But in this case, I'm truly blessed with everything I have. Some people have nothing.
I had tears in my eyes as I read this post. This has to be one of the sweetest, caring, and most acts of kindness I've seen :)
ReplyDeleteOh man. Now I'm crying. That was extremely human of you. I know "human" is a strange word to choose, but I couldn't think of anything else that would say what I mean. You saw someone who was hurting and needed comfort.
ReplyDeleteYou could've just driven on, but you stopped to help. I love the quote you mentioned, too, because it's completely true.
P.S. I LOVE your new layout and header. LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteI've done the same thing for a man, except after I handed him the stuff we had to turn around to get back on the highway...seriously took 2 seconds...by the time we turned around he was gone. It was the strangest thing ever. Was he real? I really think that man is my angel.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you girlie
I actually teared up while reading this. You truly are a sweet and giving person.
ReplyDeleteYou would probably really like this this book called "29 Days of Giving" by Cami Walker. My mom bought it for me this past Christmas specifically because the author has MS (I was just recently diagnosed last April) and it's about how she finds a way to cope with dealing with her diagnosis. She starts this challenge of giving every single day for 29 days and her journey through those days. It's very empowering and helps you appreciate the things you have, even when you're dealing with your own personal struggles. She also created a website to help encourage others to do the same challenge here: http://www.29gifts.org/ I try to give, but it's not a daily thing and I can't wait to start this challenge myself.
Keep being a wonderful person!
that was such a fantastic thing to do! God will definitely bless you for that (though I know that's not why you did it.) You've set an awesome example!!
ReplyDelete<3
So lovely. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI think we get so disillusioned, or disheartened, when we see "homeless" people just looking for beer money, and all the scams out there, that we often fail to help those who are truly in need. You're very kind to help this man, we should all be so kind-hearted.
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling that that gentleman will never forget this day.
ReplyDeleteYou rock, girl. That was an awesome thing to do <3
ReplyDeleteawww..this story brought tears to my eyes! :( When I see people like that it just breaks my heart, you never know what they've been through. You did a good thing giving him some food and money...the world needs more kind people like you! :)
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! Everytime I see someone on the side of the road asking for help I make sure to give them some sort of help. Money, food, etc. I always think to myself..."what if that was you"...I know you truly made his day.
ReplyDeleteI love doing that for people, I actually stick extra granola bars, fruit snacks, and water bottles in my glove box/back seat for those situations.
ReplyDeleteYou seriously blessed that man, and I know he won't forget you anytime soon!
What a touching post. It brought tears to my eyes. That was so kind of you to help that man out, especially to go back there to him. I'm sure he is very grateful for what you did. :)
ReplyDeleteAround here we get alot of the "fake" homeless people. They dress in Army surplus clothes and stand on a corner with a sign and usually a German Shepherd. They usually come out on super hot scorcher days and again on the freezing cold days so people feel sorry for them and give them money. There was a female doing it for a while and a couple months later I saw her driving a brand new Honda Civic. ODD.
I have been pretty emotional lately so I almost welled up a little bit too! I am glad that you got that sort of reaction from him. I live in downtown Portland, Oregon and we have a TON of homeless people here too. I commend you for what you did though, I have gotten so used to saying now, or thinking that they aren't actually in too much trouble. sometimes I just think "just get a job" but I forget how hard it is for some people to do that. I usually have to say no to most people, as I am just about in the same spot as them, since I am in college and such, barely enough food to survive on myself. I am glad that there are nice people like you to do what you did! :)
ReplyDeleteI have tears in my eyes too! I can't tell you how many times I have seen similar people on the side of the road and I always think that I want to help in some way. And then the light changes and I just move on. Good for you to take that time to make a difference in someone's life. Even for that one day. It has inspired me to want to make a difference too.
ReplyDeleteThis was an amazing story. Good for you. You will be blessed for your kindness.
ReplyDeleteThis is so great. I almost teared up when you posted the "Dear John" quote...it's so true. Thank you for posting this!
ReplyDeleteLots of tears! I too feed them when I see them! Even if it's only a cheap cheese burger! :o))) It's sad but most of them are veteran's, that deserve so much more than a burger & it's unfortunate that they aren't better taken care of.
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