Stories of Kindness from Around the World

The Hands We Are Dealt


--by fourplusanangel, posted Feb 28, 2012

There is a homeless man who always seems to be perched on his bike somewhere along the main road running through our town. We see him every time we leave the house. He is either bundled up, hunched over his bags and blankets in the winter, or riding up and down the street in the summer when I suspect trying to catch a little breeze in the heat.

Whenever I see him I want to bring him a coffee, or a water, or a blanket, or a fan - but I never do.
 
His name is Bruce. I only know this because my brother-in-law saw him one freezing day on his way to our house. He asked his name and why he was sleeping in the field. Then he gave Bruce the coat off his back and the hat from his head!
 
Today I had a notion to venture to the mall with the little ones.  As we headed inside we saw the ever-present bell-ringers of the holiday season, collecting money for the Salvation Army.
 
I echoed Merry Christmas to the freezing volunteer but, with full hands, did not put a dime in his bucket. I told myself I would catch him on the way out but never did.
 
While driving home from the mall, frazzled from all the get-back-heres, don't-touch-thats and we-are-leaving-NOWs of our trip, I found myself stuck in the slowing traffic of our two lane road home. I was getting aggravated because it was nap-time for the little ones. They needed it and I needed it.
 
Then someone decided to cut in front of me. I muttered under my breath that cutting me off wasn't going to get him anywhere - and where exactly did he think he was going anyway? 
 
I realized he was pulling his car off the road.
 
The man I was cursing under my breath for disrupting my five minute drive home got out and walked over to Bruce (whom I had not even seen in my world of crabbiness.) He handed Bruce some money.
 
I looked back, through blurry eyes, and was really ticked off. At myself!
 
Sometimes I think the bitterness I feel for the hand I have been dealt clouds my view of the fact that there are others who have been dealt a hand with a card or two less.  I was reminded today that I need to slow down the carousel, help when I know I should, and give when I know I can.
 
If you need me I will be rehearsing the art of removing money from my purse with my foot, so I can drop some in that little red bucket next time I pass a bell-ringer when my hands are full.
 
That is, after I find Bruce and invite him over for dinner!

 

 

 

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Readers Comments

Bluebell wrote: Dear Angel, I have been there and know exactly how it feels, I also had my days in which I would pass someone, and thought "I will give when I come back" and the lesson is that then the moment is gone and I lost an opportunity of being of service. I think this happens because we find it very difficult to live in the present, it is either the past or the future, it's either I could have helpped or I will help, the challenge is to be 100% in the NOW. Nowadays I give whatever I can if I don't have pounds I give pences, but I give. I have learned that is the act and not the amount that counts. My wishes is that this year you will be proficient in giving with both hands and a full heart. Love and Light and Endless Blessings, Bluebell
MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: It is not always easy to take action and help. We often want to do more than we do. The fact that you see that and use it to motivate you for future opportunities means it still served a purpose. May you find Bruce and help in your own special way!
Bluxess wrote: Seems like Bruce is planted there to drive you to an action you will find very endearing ... no doubt ... Oftentimes, we also get helped in the process while we actually wanted to help someone ... So, I am looking forward to hearing you out during Christmas ... You had been bold to share your own journey so long with Bruce ... That's beautiful fourplusanangel ... Immense Blessings to all of you, Bluxess.
whitby98 wrote: Wonderful story! I too tend to look away when I see a homeless person. To alleviate my guilt, I tell myself they are probably scamming or using the money for drugs or alcohol. My elderly mother always stops and gives them money. She said it's none of her business what they do with it, and if they're scamming, that's on their conscience.

The other day I exited the interstate and was trapped at the traffic light. I saw an older homeless man with a wooden cross around his neck. His sign simply said "broke and hungry." I gave him the few bills I had and I made sure I looked right at him and smiled when I did so. He took both my hands and said "God bless you, girl". I saw him walk towards a convenience store. I hope he had enough money to buy a cold drink or something to eat.
HappyDae wrote: I think the homeless man said it all,
"God bless you, Girl" Beautifully written. Touches the heart and provides motivation for others to do the same.
happypup wrote: This story has touched my heart. There are more and more people at every corner in my neighborhood; i have made it a point to carry cash with me to give even what little i can.
Karen wrote: Living in florida, i see a lot of homeless men and some women. And sometimes i feel guilty for not giving. I really enjoyed your story. It truly touched my heart. Your writing was profound to me. I could actually feel all that you felt by reading it. We take for granted all that we have and sometimes are not satisfied with the hand we are dealt. But god is in charge and he knows what we need. He places people like bruce in our paths for a reason.

Karen
Mada wrote: Sometimes life and the people in it can break a persons will and something as simple as haveing faith and passing on a little kindness can help heal a broken spirit. Never give up on someone even if they have given up themselves. You never know who they might help in return
Joy wrote: So glad that you are inspired to to give the gift of kindness. Many blessings to you and bruce.
Thaata wrote: I have also been there and missed lot of opportunities to serve. This story inspires and remind me not to miss out the next opportunity.

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