As I'm sat down at the Food Court about to dig into my meal, I noticed a woman sitting with a couple of empty bags, looking around. I've always been conscious of other people and something told me she was hungry and probably envious that everyone else around her have many options for dinner. So in my head I'm thinking that I should go over and offer her a bite to eat. I'm thrown off a little by her empty Wendy's bag and she's drinking out of a Wendy's cup..plus she might take offense that I'm offering to buy her a bite to eat.
Five minutes later a young couple next to her get ready to leave, as they rise from the table she extends tow quarters to them. I figure out that it's her offer as payment for the leftover food on the women's plate. They actually take the money and give her the food. I jumped into action and finally go up to the table and offer to buy her sandwich from Wendy's..she is so happy and accepts without hesitancy.
Not like I've never been exposed to homelessness..please i live in NY, it's everywhere. But can you imagine the desperation she faced as she accepted someone's leftovers in the presence of hundreds of strangers? Can you imagine how the sight and smell of food tempted her, as she watches us eating wishing it was hers?
I'm mad because I'm thinking why would they take what is probably her last 50 cents? Why wouldn't they just add another 50 to it so that she can buy a $1 sandwich from a value menu somewhere? I'm mad that others around me see what I'm doing, comment amongst themselves, but probably watched her eat the leftover food as soon as stood in line to purchase her sandwich. I feel bad and guilty that I spent almost $15 buying 2 meals from the Japanese restaurant for my son and I. I'm sad that tomorrow she will most likely feel hungry again and dig through the trash for a meal, or offer a couple cents to eat another's leftover meal. I feel bad that I didn't buy her a complete meal in place of a dollar chicken sandwich. I explain to her that it's a small offer, but all I can afford. Not that it mattered, she was so grateful, thanking me over and over again. Even more so, I hope I made her feel significant and loved.
I don't have much and still struggle on a daily basis, but at least I can eat and have options. I can purchase new clothes, treat and pamper myself on occasion, and entertain my child every day. You cannot predict every circumstance in life; you never know when you'll have to depend on a stranger's kindness. You never know if and when you will hit rockbottom... it can happen to anyone, yes even you. I have been there before (although not necessarily in the sense of poverty). If strangers weren't so gratuitous, compassionate, and kind I wouldn't have been able to escape from an unfortunate situation.
As far back as I can recall, my parents used to and still leave an open door for the less fortunate...that's why I have such a great sense of compassion and non-judgment of others. My son told me I should feel so proud of myself for my good deed. I'm proud to provide him with the same example my parent's were to me. As we receive good fortune, we will ensure that we pay it forward as well.
I'll be praying for you tonight and hope that just as today, someone will be willing to feed you tomorrow. You are significant and you are loved.
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