There is an older homeless (or at least very poor) woman who sometimes is sitting near where I am living, begging for money. Unfortunately, the 'inner city places' are often being 'strongly requested' by younger men and women who take over the space.
Whenever I see her, I make sure to give her something, and if I am out of money at least talk to her for a few seconds. When younger people are around, I often make sure to drop a few coins into her cup while passing her a note without anybody seeing it in hopes that they will leave her alone.
Today she surprised me. I was passing her again, giving her some money, and asked her how she was. She surprised me by saying that she wanted to thank me. Not for the money. Well, for that too, but for always taking the time to talk to her.
She mentioned how hard it is for her to have so little money that she has to beg. She often feels ashamed, but that she now has prepared for several days (!) to talk to me, and to thank me for treating her like a human being. People walking by, sometimes dropping some money, but rarely making eye contact or talking to her make her feel even more transparent, ashamed, almost non-human. She said she was looking forward to me walking by because she knew I would look at her and see a person. On hearing all this, I had tears in my eyes, still do, when thinking of this.
I still don't know why she is on the street, maybe one day she will open up, but I will not ask her right away. But I will be even more on the lookout for her, making sure to talk to her as often as possible!
Whenever I see her, I make sure to give her something, and if I am out of money at least talk to her for a few seconds. When younger people are around, I often make sure to drop a few coins into her cup while passing her a note without anybody seeing it in hopes that they will leave her alone.
Today she surprised me. I was passing her again, giving her some money, and asked her how she was. She surprised me by saying that she wanted to thank me. Not for the money. Well, for that too, but for always taking the time to talk to her.
She mentioned how hard it is for her to have so little money that she has to beg. She often feels ashamed, but that she now has prepared for several days (!) to talk to me, and to thank me for treating her like a human being. People walking by, sometimes dropping some money, but rarely making eye contact or talking to her make her feel even more transparent, ashamed, almost non-human. She said she was looking forward to me walking by because she knew I would look at her and see a person. On hearing all this, I had tears in my eyes, still do, when thinking of this.I still don't know why she is on the street, maybe one day she will open up, but I will not ask her right away. But I will be even more on the lookout for her, making sure to talk to her as often as possible!
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- Posted by balou
- Jul 19, 2021
- Comments (17)
Readers Comments
mindyjourney wrote: What a beautiful connect and share, my friend. That is so essential - to see, really see someone, and not pretend they are invisible 💕.
gardengal10 wrote: You recognized her humanity. You chose to speak with her and not pass her by. She appreciated the care and the connection. .
bluebuddha wrote: Balou, thank you for this heart-warming share. This part was really insightful for me, "people walking by, sometimes dropping some money, but rarely making eye contact or talking to her make her feel even more transparent, ashamed, almost non-human." It seems natural now, but seeing that someone could give in a way that makes her feel even more unseen. This is a big lesson. Thank you for sharing!
dotmatrix wrote: Thank you, Balou. Exactly. "You are me. I am you." The homeless among us didn't all just drop here from Homeless Planet. *hugs* and gratitude for you. ♥.
butterkind wrote: Very touching..
Rajni wrote: People forget that we all carry the same divinity within, in other words we all are God in human form. Treating others like bagger is like treating God residing in him/her as bagger. Will God be happy like that?
Balou, you did a wonderful job. may others get inspired to follow suit. May your kind words and wishes bring that lady out of poverty and get job to enjoy life.
It is wisely said that "When God blesses you financially, do not raise your standard of living but raise your standard of GIVING.
Balou, you did a wonderful job. may others get inspired to follow suit. May your kind words and wishes bring that lady out of poverty and get job to enjoy life.
It is wisely said that "When God blesses you financially, do not raise your standard of living but raise your standard of GIVING.
Mish wrote: We all need to feel we matter. You hold a beautiful heart, Balou â¤ï¸ Bless you both ðŸ™
unknown wrote: Am I surprised that our sweet Connhas restored faith in humanity and added colours in the life of this sweet woman that had only thank you to share 💗 may you both be blessed.
unknown wrote: Edit: Con has ... Big hugs to you dearie 💗💗💗
pluto178 wrote: My first thought as I read this was talking to her is your greatest gift…….thank you for that x
