Someone close to me recently crushed my intent to purchase some groceries for a person in need. They roughly asked me "You think when you're in need that someone is going to give you charity?" That really killed my spirit that day, but it also made me lose respect for the person. A lot of times, when I'm in great need is when I get unexpected help somehow. I like to pay it back or pay it forward.
Yesterday I saw an elderly gentleman, neatly dressed, playing a harmonica on the market steps, with an empty plastic container at his feet. I saw him the day before as I hurried home. I thought, how sad that a man his age has to resort to this to scrape things together and survive. He had dignity though, and he wasn't begging; he was trying something while trying to hold his head up. When I see things like that, I think - that could be my father.
I was rushing to meet a friend but I placed a 50 Denar note into his container that contained only a few coins. It's nowhere near the equivalent of say $50 or 50 Euro, but he would be able to buy something from the grocery, or a sandwich from one of the cafes. In a loud, gruff voice, he said something which I barely understood meant something like 'long life' or 'good life' to me.
I hurried along to meet my friend and used my other 50 to buy us both coffee. That evening I returned home broke but content & grateful.
Yesterday I saw an elderly gentleman, neatly dressed, playing a harmonica on the market steps, with an empty plastic container at his feet. I saw him the day before as I hurried home. I thought, how sad that a man his age has to resort to this to scrape things together and survive. He had dignity though, and he wasn't begging; he was trying something while trying to hold his head up. When I see things like that, I think - that could be my father.
I was rushing to meet a friend but I placed a 50 Denar note into his container that contained only a few coins. It's nowhere near the equivalent of say $50 or 50 Euro, but he would be able to buy something from the grocery, or a sandwich from one of the cafes. In a loud, gruff voice, he said something which I barely understood meant something like 'long life' or 'good life' to me.
I hurried along to meet my friend and used my other 50 to buy us both coffee. That evening I returned home broke but content & grateful.
1615 Reads
- Posted by ChocoBella
- Feb 2, 2015
- Comments (4)
Readers Comments
sandyremillar wrote: Very lovely. Thank you for your kindness. Namaste!
mariejesuis wrote: In addition to the money, it is also helpful because it lets the person know they are seen, they are not invisible, and they are acknowledged. I often do the same. And if don't have money, i look them in the eye and nod or smile, or say sorry can't right now. I also strike up conversations. I have my dad to thank for that- he often approached people on the street caringly and asked about them. He simply loved people, was concerned. Part of his profession i suppose, as a doctor.
Mish wrote: Well done!!!!! Never let the naysayers dim your light. ((HUGS))
MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: Good for you and I agree with Mish! :)
