This morning during my walk I had the good fortune of meeting someone I have been wanting to cross paths with for some time. I had seen this elderly gentleman before.
A few months ago he was collecting cans and bottles from the recycle bins behind my house. I was shocked to see this and saddened by the fact that he had to do this to survive. I thought about putting bottles in a bag for him with a note attached saying that the bag was for him to take, but then thought it may not be the best idea from a safety standpoint. So I let it go.
One rainy day in the spring I saw him again riding his bike with bags of bottles attached to his backpack and handle-bars. My heart sank. I felt powerless thinking I could never connect with him.
So you can imagine my surprise when I see
him again in another alley just around the corner from the green space I was headed to. I walked over to him and managed to whisper a very quiet "Hi." I was a little apprehensive. I had never approached anyone like this before. His back was turned to me and he didn't reply.
I decided it was because he didn't want to be disturbed. So I kept walking. And then I remembered the big bag of cans and bottles we had all collected from our west coast trip. "He can have those!" thought. I walked back over to him. I told him if he waited there I could get him some more bottles. He said, "That would be very much appreciated."
I came back in 5 minutes and there he was in the shade waiting.
iI handed the bag to him and apologized that it wasn't much. And then with another large bright smile he said, " Every little bit helps.
Thanks so much. And, have a great day."
I wished him a great day as well and resumed my walk feeling a little lighter in my step. Thank you ServiceSpace and KindSpring for the inspiration to do what the heart has always said to do.
A few months ago he was collecting cans and bottles from the recycle bins behind my house. I was shocked to see this and saddened by the fact that he had to do this to survive. I thought about putting bottles in a bag for him with a note attached saying that the bag was for him to take, but then thought it may not be the best idea from a safety standpoint. So I let it go.
One rainy day in the spring I saw him again riding his bike with bags of bottles attached to his backpack and handle-bars. My heart sank. I felt powerless thinking I could never connect with him.
So you can imagine my surprise when I see
him again in another alley just around the corner from the green space I was headed to. I walked over to him and managed to whisper a very quiet "Hi." I was a little apprehensive. I had never approached anyone like this before. His back was turned to me and he didn't reply.I decided it was because he didn't want to be disturbed. So I kept walking. And then I remembered the big bag of cans and bottles we had all collected from our west coast trip. "He can have those!" thought. I walked back over to him. I told him if he waited there I could get him some more bottles. He said, "That would be very much appreciated."
I came back in 5 minutes and there he was in the shade waiting.
iI handed the bag to him and apologized that it wasn't much. And then with another large bright smile he said, " Every little bit helps.
Thanks so much. And, have a great day."
I wished him a great day as well and resumed my walk feeling a little lighter in my step. Thank you ServiceSpace and KindSpring for the inspiration to do what the heart has always said to do.
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- Posted by savrajkaur
- Aug 5, 2015
- Comments (7)
Readers Comments
Novice50 wrote: Thank you for showing us how to really walk the walk of kindness. So glad you're here.
kiwicat wrote: Oh wow! That did take courage, im glad you thought of your safety first. It was a kind thung to do, and clearly appreciated.
pluto178 wrote: Well done x
melnotes wrote: Such lovely kindness :) Thank you xx
mish wrote: Beautiful caring & sharing by you. I became tearful from the beauty of your heart . Bless.
mindyjourney wrote: More confident in kindness :))), that's how KS encourages and supports! Thank you for listening to your heart with courage, my friend, well done, my friend.
terre wrote: I'm glad you followed your heart. Your kind intentions provided protection for you.
