Connecting with a Soul and Piercing Blue Eyes

--by whitby98, posted Jul 1, 2012

Once again, God seems to have put a homeless person in my path. I don't know if there are more homeless people out there than before or if I'm just noticing them more. Lately, I regularly come in contact with people that I just can't ignore.

His name is Mark and I was shocked to hear that he is only three years older than me. He looks so much older! He was on the corner asking for money. I saw his piercing blue eyes beneath his dirty hat and scruffy beard, and I couldn't look away. I parked my car and walked over to him and just plunked myself down on the curb to talk. People were driving by and staring at us, but I didn't care.

We talked for awhile and he told me about his life. I don't know how much of his story I believe, but who cares. He told me he's dying - that part I believe. He was in very rough shape and could barely walk and had trouble catching his breath.

I asked what I could do to help him. He said all he wanted was a slice of pizza with extra cheese. I gave him $3, the only cash I had on me. He said he'd go get the food himself but he was banned from the shopping center for panhandling. I said I'd get it for him and asked if he wanted something to drink. He said, "If you could get me some beer you would save my life."

I got him the food and the beer. I figured this poor man probably doesn't have much longer to live. He's not going to stop drinking. In fact, he was so addicted that he'd get the shakes if he didn't drink regularly. Beer seemed to offer him some comfort, something he desperately needed. Who am I to judge?

He asked for a ride a couple of blocks down the road, to the trail in the woods where he had his tent. Normally I don't give rides to strangers but this was just up the street, in broad daylight, and quite honestly he posed absolutely no physical threat to me in his condition.

I carried his beer and walked him part-way up the trail.

When we parted he held my hand for a long time and we just looked at each other wordlessly for a few moments. Everything just melted away. He wasn't a homeless man and I wasn't a stranger who bought him some beer. We became just two souls making a very deep human connection. He thanked me profusely and asked me to pray for him. I promised him I would. He said he would pray for me and my husband and kissed the crucifix around his neck.

I don't know if I will ever see him again, but I know I will never forget him. God bless you, Mark, and your beautiful blue eyes and gentle soul.

3663 Reads

Posted by whitby98
Jul 1, 2012
Comments (11)

Readers Comments

unknown wrote: your gentle heart reached out to him, person to person, and you gave him the gift of listening, of food and drink, and of a ride to his destination (which probably was HUGE in his condition). You are a beautiful soul, and God put you in Mark's path for a reason.....He knew that Mark needed help and that you would help him. Bless you, whitby98.

jerryw wrote: Awesome story! Thanks for sharing!

Bluebell wrote: "We became just two souls making a very deep human connection." That is the world we are all dreaming for, you made it real by looking beyond the veils of illusion (the homeless person). Thank you deep from my heart for reaching out to Mark. You will probably notice that the more you are going to help the more you will see things that others don't. You are a SweetHeart, thank You for sharing this heart warming post. Love and Light and Endless Blessings, Bluebell

Earthymom33 wrote: Wow... beautiful... these are the stories that make me wonder if we do indeed entertain angels w/out even knowing it... thank you for reaching out. :)

Glowworm wrote: Awesome! You saw him not as a homeless man but as a person. I respect you for that. And I also admire that you didn't judge him for wanting a beer. I thought the whole thing was very cool, classy and meaningful :)

I'm not always the best with names, but I recognize your username and associate it with many inspiring acts of kindness I've seen on this site.

Anyway, thanks so much for sharing :)

whitby98 wrote: Awww, thanks Gilgenbach! That's one of the nicest things anyone has ever said to me!

raqui wrote: This is a wonderful story and I appreciate the kindness you gave to him. Sometimes all we need is a little love, a caring person, a kind gesture. It makes all the diffrence in the world to someone who needs it.

MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: Bless your heart! I think it is nice what you did but the best part is the time you took to care. Sitting down with him and hearing his story, buying his things and taking him down the street are all wonderful ways you showed you care! :)

cindyK wrote: I have to applaud you, what you did was big! You were a friend to a complete stranger in need! To be honest, i would have been afraid to invite him in my car, but you took the time to evaluate his situation and listen to his needs, and follow your heart! And yes, angels are among us and you are one of them! God bless you!

Bethie wrote: Wooka85257 - simply breathless and awe. Thank you for the gift of personhood and being you gave mark. And such gratitude for not questioning his need. You gave the gift of dignity and being - sweet mercy, that is the gift of life. Namaste.

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