This week a friend and I went to dinner at a downtown restaurant. The week has been especially cold with the nighttime temperatures approaching -30C.
As we neared the restaurant a very thin young man dressed only in jeans, a sweatshirt and a knit hat asked us if we had a bus ticket we could give him.
Without hesitating I reached into my wallet for one. As I was doing this, the young man explained that he hated to ask for money but wanted to get to the overnight homeless shelter. I gave him the ticket and a $5 bill. He whooped with happiness and gave me a hug thanking me over and over and over. He exclaimed, “Now I can go inside and have a coffee first and get warm!” I wished him a good night and he rushed off up the street to a coffee shop.
My friend turned to me with a curious expression and before he could say anything I told him “That’s why I always carry cash.”
He replied, “You’re more generous than I am. You won’t get rich giving it away.”
I answered, “I am already rich because I know I have enough to share. Those other people you call “rich”? All they have is money.”
Ohhhhhhhh………….this gave me goosebumps. I love where you come from , Audrey! I soooooooo agree.
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I knew you would, Pat. It’s amazing how easily people judge the homeless, as if we know what their story is. There is enough for everyone; I’m enriched when I can share what I have.
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Your an angel Audrey…
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Beverly, thank you. I think we all get to be angels sometimes and other times we get to receive them.
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Very well said! I love this…I’m a firm believer that in order to continue to be blessed we must pass on blessings to others. Happy blogging!
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I couldn’t agree with you more, MissTaNiaB! We’re here to help each other along and by seeing and giving our best, we become our best (and get the best back).
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I love this, too. It reminds me of this quote by Ram Dass: “We are all just walking one another home.”
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Oh, Kat, that made me a little misty-eyeed. I love this idea that we’re al just walking one another home. It’s quaint and charming, but also breathtaking. I must learn more about Ram Dass!
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