I was at the shops last night and saw a homeless woman with a trolley full of all her things. She was sitting inside to keep warm. I went up to her and tried to give her money for her to get something to eat. She wouldn't take it. I said I wanted to help her but she said if she had enough given to her that day and if she had money on her, other homeless people would steal it from her when she slept.
I explained that I wanted to help her and could I buy her something warm. Again she said no. She thanked me and said how grateful she was that I had spoken to her and offered help. We introduced ourselves and she said that when I saw her next time, she would accept help. What an amazing woman.
So as I walked out into the cold night, I gave the money to a homeless man who was freezing. He appeared to have had a drinking or drug problem but I was glad that he accepted my help. I always want to know their names and I tell them mine. I then went to find my husband.
I had this lingering feeling. I felt that I had been in the presence of someone really special. I always imagine what it would be like to be in their shoes or if that was one of my children. How lucky am I and how grateful for what I have in my life. I learnt a very big lesson with the lady I met. Not all homeless people will take money or help if they feel they have had enough given to them for that day. She was grateful for the day. I will make sure I meet her again.
I explained that I wanted to help her and could I buy her something warm. Again she said no. She thanked me and said how grateful she was that I had spoken to her and offered help. We introduced ourselves and she said that when I saw her next time, she would accept help. What an amazing woman.So as I walked out into the cold night, I gave the money to a homeless man who was freezing. He appeared to have had a drinking or drug problem but I was glad that he accepted my help. I always want to know their names and I tell them mine. I then went to find my husband.
I had this lingering feeling. I felt that I had been in the presence of someone really special. I always imagine what it would be like to be in their shoes or if that was one of my children. How lucky am I and how grateful for what I have in my life. I learnt a very big lesson with the lady I met. Not all homeless people will take money or help if they feel they have had enough given to them for that day. She was grateful for the day. I will make sure I meet her again.
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- Posted by splain
- Jul 12, 2016
- Comments (12)
Readers Comments
mnc_91 wrote: Aw a beautiful lesson on contentment :-)
mdeese_99 wrote: What a lovely woman living with a grateful heart.
lya348 wrote: How wonderful that she felt she had enough even in her circumstances. Very special lady!
suse15 wrote: What a beautiful example she set. So glad you take the time to connect beyond the gift to see th heart of the person. You gain so much back.
mish wrote: Brought tears. Bless them all.
mindyjourney wrote: Beautiful connection, my dear friend..i wonder if you were "entertaining angels?". My guardian angel's name is Grace <3. Me too, tears <3...thank you for being lovely you!
scushman wrote: angel in disguise
Bananatheworl wrote: Beautiful story
kjoyw wrote: You helped her in such a loving way and personalizing it by sharing your names is so powerful! Work with these folks every Wed. And do understand her unwillingness to take the money you offered. Stealing is a problem these folks have to live with everyday. I know you will find her again. Bless you for helping just by making the connection!
leoladyc728 wrote: That woman was such an inspiration. She wouldn't take more than what she needed. Amazing.
