I was sitting at my desk today, looking out the window. I saw an old homeless man crossing the street, carrying a suitcase.
I remembered the many times I had looked on from afar, feeling sorry for the homeless but doing nothing. I do give money to homeless people when I walk by, but never really interact with them, beside a smile.
I came across this website and all your stories inspired me so much to get more involved. Sometimes we think about compassion but we push it into the deep corners of our heart because we're too busy with life, too shy, or too afraid of strangers. But all it takes is a little awakening from like-minded people like you!
I did what I never thought I could as I'm an introvert and afraid of strangers. I burst out the front door and ran after the old man. When I reached him I asked him if I could buy him lunch. He looked surprised, but accepted readily, warning me he had big appetite!
I was shaking with nervousness and excitement all at the same time. We went to a Vietnamese restaurant. I told the waiter to give the guy whatever he wanted and I would pay for it.
I sat down for a moment asking the old man how he was doing. He told me he was sleeping behind the court house near my work because it is warmer there. I promised him I would give him a few jackets to keep him warm.Then he asked me something I did not expect. He asked if he could give me something!
I told him that I didn't buy him lunch to get something in return. But he insisted it was nothing much and he wanted me to have it. He laid some inexpensive jewellery on the table and, unable to refuse, I asked him to pick something out for me because that would be a lot more meaningful. He chose an owl necklace, something someone else had given him.
Since I had run out the office without telling my boss I couldn't stay long. I apologized for not able to spend time with him and promised I would sit down with him for lunch next time and chat more.
Before I left he asked for my name which is "Mai" pronounced as "my" in english. Then to my delight, he told me his name was "Myyyyyy-chael" (Michael.)
I did not feel like I gave the him anything much - but felt he gave me more than I could have asked for. Of all the men who ever said I was beautiful Michael's compliment made me feel the most blessed. He was the new friend who helped me conquer my shyness and inspired me to be more proactively kind to others.
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- Posted by ilovehammies
- Jul 19, 2012
- Comments (48)
Readers Comments
Buffy wrote: Mai and michael were destined to meet, because they are "soul mates". I believe their story happened on a deeper more profound level than they realize. Mai's gift of a lovely meal to michael, and michaels gift of an owl necklace to mai were not actually the gifts in this story at all, they were the keys to unlock the real gifts that they were both in possession of. Michael being homeless is what allowed mai's soul to recognize michaels. Mai's meal unlocked her gift of the power of giving, compassion, selflessness and offering genuine care and kindness towards others, and michael offering one of his only possessions as a sign of gratitude caused mai's heart to grow and unlock and at that moment a homeless mans soul found its home in her heart. Soul mates come in all forms shapes sizes and species, and often go unnoticed to the eyes, but the heart will always see them clear as day.
rajaratnamjones wrote: Sometimes we think about compassion but we push it into the deep corners of our heart because we're too busy with life, too shy, or too afraid of strangers. But all it takes is a little awakening from like-minded people like you! What you say is exactly right. I too have the same idea as yours when comes to help strangers. We have to step out and give it a try. God bless you.
AURELIA wrote: Yay for you! Following your heart like that must feel totally amazing! I hope you continue. You are special and michael knew it right away. Your kindness inspires me. ~aurelia
JenV wrote: I am so touched and happy for this discovery and breakthrough in mai's life. I have also experienced the friendship of a homeless person (with a dog named shane and a cat named justin) whom i dearly look forward to seeing and bringing small tokens each day. Until that time when they were forced to leave the tree from across our office where their cart was usually parked. I am just too grateful for the opportunity given me in those few months.
Barbara wrote: To stop and look into the eyes and ask from the heart, "how are you? " is a gift greater than imagination can fathom. You gave and received a great gift. Bless you.
Lisa wrote: Such a heart warming story thank you for sharing. I too struggle with not being comfortable with others -- i however really like to give to others. So i totally get the shaking with nerves and excitement at the same time.
May you be blessed enough to always be able to share with others.
May you be blessed enough to always be able to share with others.
Marvin Heery wrote: Finding a way to help the homeless like this is awesome! It doesn't take a big elaborate street feeding to a big group of homeless people with big organization either! Simple acts like this often mean so much more to both the receiver & the giver & it's the way the lord meant for it to happen, heart to heart with a hand-up even though it looks to the casual observer like a handout!
Frank wrote: Always inspiring to witness the overcoming of personal fear for the benefit of another. We are all connected. So good to be connected to source.
Camellia wrote: Wonderful story. The kind of story that should be told in our schools.
