After work, I drove to pick up our Monday night pizza for $7.99 and some dog food. The traffic was predictably heavy as I approached an intersection and saw a tall, black man with a beard and a knit hat, holding a cardboard sign that said, HOMELESS VETERAN. Something about him looked safe. I don’t know what. Maybe it’s because my dad is a veteran. Maybe it was because he looked to be about my age, like he could have gone to high school with me.
I realized I had an extra Nature Valley protein bar in my purse. He’d have to cross one lane of stopped traffic, waiting at the light with me, to get it. But I got the protein bar out of my purse and “rolled” down my window. When he saw me, I held the bar out to him.
“Do you want a protein bar?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll take anything!” he said. “Thank you!”
As the light changed and I drove on, I realized that I should have asked him if he knew about the Rescue Mission, downtown. It would be a cold night. I should have at least mentioned it.
I got the dog food, and picked up a Vitamin Water, as I developed a plan to go back the same way. If he was still there, I would give him the water and tell him about the Mission.
When I got to the check out, the cashier kept looking at the pizza box. Then he told me they’d forgotten to put a price sticker on my pizza.
“It’s Monday, so it’s $7.99, I said.”
“Well, today it’s zero.”
“What, you mean its free?”
“Yeah. We want you to come back.” He said.
“Wow. Thanks!”
I looked carefully for the homeless veteran as I turned at the intersection where I’d seen him last. He wasn’t there. I looked for him most of the way home. What if he was walking the same way I was going? Should I offer him a ride to the Mission? Would that be crazy?
As it turned out, I didn’t see him.
I hope he has a warm place to stay.
I keep thinking about him.
My slice of pizza seems like a feast.
It’s not awful that our gas furnace is on the fritz and we have to use space heaters.
We will be plenty warm in our little old house.
January 12, 2016 at 5:10 am
Wow. Kindness right there.
January 12, 2016 at 5:22 am
Kindness all around. Thank you!
January 12, 2016 at 5:24 am
Sometimes life is so full of opportunities to be grateful.
January 12, 2016 at 6:18 am
It sure is. Perspective can make a big difference.
January 12, 2016 at 6:35 am
Joanna, what a touching story. This is a wonderful example of being in that pure space of offering kindness and compassion. You cared about his welfare and you were provided for in turn. It just melts my heart to see how we are looked after when we tone down all of that antagonistic nonsense.
January 12, 2016 at 7:02 am
Thank you, sweet Sabiscuit. It makes me want to make sure I keep protein and granola bars in my car all the time and not watch the news at all.
January 12, 2016 at 7:05 am
Two great ideas, Joanna. Creating a better world is so easy. Appreciating the small comforts and offering something small to make a big difference in someone’s life. And doing these until it becomes second nature. xo
January 12, 2016 at 7:19 am
Thanks for supporting these ideas. Creating a better world is possible.
January 12, 2016 at 7:20 pm
Love the beautiful synchronicity ❤
January 13, 2016 at 4:51 am
Thanks, Lorrie. Me too. Kinda makes me think I’m moving in the right direction.
January 13, 2016 at 6:17 pm
I believe so! Isn’t it nice when we get little nods of affirmation…? Blessings, JoAnna!! ❤
January 15, 2016 at 8:22 am
Yep. It sure is! Blessings to you sweet, Lorrie! ❤
January 14, 2016 at 9:46 pm
Bonsoir JOANNA
Un regard, un sourire et une main
Chaleureuse sur l’épaule
Valent mieux qu’un million
De mots ou de phrases
Ce que sent le cœur est plus profond
Que ce qu’entends l’oreille
Je te remercie d’être là par ton amitié
Je te souhaite une belle fin de semaine
Un agréable week-end
Avec de la joie et du bonheur au sein de ta demeure
Bises, amitié
Bernard
Ce jour chez moi quelques flocons de neige sans plus
January 15, 2016 at 8:25 am
Merci, Bernard. I love the dancing snowflake!