I choose to believe

While shopping just prior to Christmas, on a colder, windy day, I encountered a gray-haired gentleman asking for help.

I was preparing to open the trunk to place bags in when he approached. He said, I’m not meaning to pressure or frighten you in any way, just wondering if I could assist you with your bags. I was hurried, tired, and said ‘I’m all set, but thank you’. He asked if I had a moment, staying the same distance away. I replied ‘of course’. He explained he and his wife were homeless and had been sleeping in their car for several days. They had found a shelter with space for them, but it was a few towns away and we’re out of gas. He asked if I might spare a dollar or two to help them get there. I said ‘of course’, going to the side of my car to get money from my purse, which was in the car. I was so humbled by his politeness and demeanor, I opted to give him just a little more than a dollar or two… the amount is irrelevant to the story.

As I walked to him and placed money in his hand, he said ‘God Bless you and thank you so much’. As I wished him well he looked In his hand, noting what I handed him, he said, ‘oh no ma’am, this is too much’, and tried to hand it back to me, saying I can’t take this from you. I insisted he take it, saying I had seen hard times often in my life and I hoped better times would come their way in the new year. He thanked me again and again, for a small amount of money and insisted on returning the carriage for me.

It was sad and heartwarming at the same time. I’ve thought of him often since. He’s far from the first to ask me for help and sadly won’t be the last, but was the most humbled, sad, almost fearful.

I always give something when approached, as long as I don’t feel threatened or vulnerable. I’m always saddened, wishing I could do more, but I have never been quite as touched as on this night. I can imagine how desperate one must be to have to ask strangers for help in a cold parking lot. Feeling embarrassed, leaving yourself vulnerable to possible verbal or physical assault or worse, all for a dollar or two.

I hope and pray this elderly couple are somewhere warm and safe, with food, medicine, etc. Each time it’s a cold or stormy night I think of the homeless and worry because I’ve come frighteningly close to being in that position on more than one occasion during my many years of struggling as a single Mom. It can happen to anyone. I know some will say he was probably lying, going to the package store, or a drug dealer, etc. While that’s always a possibility, I choose to take my chances and believe. Especially this time. If anyone is that in need, I can certainly spare it. – Cheryl ❤