Yesterday morning, I headed to Bethesda, MD for my second training walk of the weekend. I arrived a bit early, as planned, and headed up to Starbucks on Wisconsin for a Mocha. Out on the corner, a gentleman of about 40 or so asked me if I had any change, so he could get something to eat. I did not, as I only had my debit card with me. I asked him if he wanted a coffee (why else would you sit outside of Starbucks?!), and he said he didn't drink coffee--he said it gave him too much of a buzz. I ordered my Mocha, and a scone for later. I also added on a Blueberry muffin.
When I went outside, I told the man that I didn't have any cash, but that I bought him a muffin, and I hoped he would like it. (I regret that I didn't ask his name--I usually do this when handing over money.)
I later wondered how many people passed him by and pretended he just wasn't there (In one of the wealthiest parts of the state, by the way). Whether he really needed the money for food was not my judgement to make. The fact is, he was out there, and he asked. That takes more guts than I will ever have. Whether he did or didn't like the muffin, he didn't say, but I swear I saw a light in his eyes. I made him feel noticed, cared about, and human, and in return, he made my heart smile.
I like that you did that. For all the talk about people taking advantage of "the system" and living off others, I think most people want to be independent. It's really painful to have to depend on the generosity of other people for most of us. I always feel like giving something does more for me than it does for the recipient, and is more about the change it brings about in me than it is about what anyone does or doesn't do with my gift.
ReplyDeleteAww. I've done stuff like that before. I once handed a can of progresso soup to a homeless woman from my shopping back and gave her a can opener out of my emergency kit from the car. She cried. It was the best moment ever.
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