He stood on the corner looking a lot like Santa Claus, a smile on his face and a cup outstretched in his hands. I smiled back and asked if he was hungry: "Would you like to go somewhere and share a sandwich?" He responded with a bigger smile and a 
resounding YES.
His name is Aed. We went together to a corner bakery and then over the next hour, he very slowly ate his sandwich, pausing with deep delight on each bite as he shared his life story with me.
He was one of the few hand pruners still trying to work. He spoke lovingly and with deep passion about all sorts of plants and trees and how to properly care for them. Much like humans, each one requiring kindness and attention.
He spoke of his time serving in Vietnam and how that forever affected him. He spoke about a pathway diverged but then regained. He spoke about his philosophy on life; that we all have gifts to offer and we all have the choice to be happy even without a place to call home. His blue eyes shone brighter and brighter.
I asked if I could hug him. Another resounding YES. And then we hugged a second and third time, each one a bit longer and a bit more joyful.
Aed gave me a gift that day. The gift of his story. We stay in touch now and again via email; he is a brilliant man. So, the next time you see someone on a corner with an outstretched hand, reach out and gently take it. You may receive the bigger gift.
resounding YES.His name is Aed. We went together to a corner bakery and then over the next hour, he very slowly ate his sandwich, pausing with deep delight on each bite as he shared his life story with me.
He was one of the few hand pruners still trying to work. He spoke lovingly and with deep passion about all sorts of plants and trees and how to properly care for them. Much like humans, each one requiring kindness and attention.
He spoke of his time serving in Vietnam and how that forever affected him. He spoke about a pathway diverged but then regained. He spoke about his philosophy on life; that we all have gifts to offer and we all have the choice to be happy even without a place to call home. His blue eyes shone brighter and brighter.
I asked if I could hug him. Another resounding YES. And then we hugged a second and third time, each one a bit longer and a bit more joyful.
Aed gave me a gift that day. The gift of his story. We stay in touch now and again via email; he is a brilliant man. So, the next time you see someone on a corner with an outstretched hand, reach out and gently take it. You may receive the bigger gift.
1585 Reads
- Posted by bubblehugfair
- Mar 19, 2018
- Comments (13)
Readers Comments
splain wrote: Oh gosh this is beautiful. I love , the outstretched hand, reach out and gently take it. Such connection and feeling.
kindmyst wrote: Oh, my- the tears flowed for my with this post. Aed reminded me of the house gardener who was brilliant with plants and a kind, spiritual being. Aed deserves a home. every human being needs a home and a family.
kindmyst wrote: I was not done. I wanted to say that you were totally present for Aed and for that moment you were his loving family. bLessings for your presence for others when they most need it and you too. :)
bubblehugfair wrote: Thank you splain, kindmyst for your sweet encouraging comments. I was the one truly blessed in this encounter. . So very grateful!
mindyjourney wrote: He did indeed share a wonderful gift, my friend <3. Such a dear connect and kindness exchange. Thank you!
mish wrote: Such a beautiful heart-to-heart connection. Awesome. Bless you both.
bubblehugfair wrote: Thank you mindyjourney!!! It was such a dear connection indeed. How many others are out there waiting for us? <3 HUG
bubblehugfair wrote: Thank you Mish! The blessings all go to Aed for his courage and his willingness to share his story! <3 HUG
RoseMarie wrote: Beautiful share, very touching thank you. X 💓
bubblehugfair wrote: Thank you RoseMarie! Hugs and Love to you!
