Blessed are the poor

I hope this makes sense, as I am really tired and need to get to bed!!

Saturday morning was a whirlwind of activity around this house, as Devin was going to a birthday party at the Art Gallery of Halifax with his new best bud, Ethan. It was also exciting and stressful for me, as I had not been brave enough to drive into the busy downtown core of the city. Mike had to work, so it was up to me! Off we went in a flurry of maps and diagrams, and we arrived at our destination and dropped Devin off in one piece, we were actually there early! Jeremy and I strolled down along the harbour, which was pretty bleak and empty. The hustle and bustle of the summer crowds was gone, adn it was cold and lonely. We found a snow boarding event taking place (yes, in the downtown area!) and stopped to watch. As we watched, something caught my eye. I turned and watched a homeless man sitting on a bench, with his hat extended, hoping to persuade people to spare some change. Jeremy and I just stood and watched for a time.

He had no teeth and he was an older man who had obviously not known much other than life on the street and having to fight and struggle for what he needed. Yes, he may have had trouble with alcohol. Yes, he may have intended that change he collected to go towards more alcohol. But as I stood there, I watched as person after person walked by and didn't even acknowldge him sitting there. He tried to smile at people, he didn't force himself on anyone. He sat quietly while people tried to pretend he wasn't there. Can you just imagine how hard it is to have to resort to begging on the street to get by? I can't even imagine how hard and degrading that would be. And then to have people walk right by without even a second thought.

He is no different from anyone else. He is a human being, in need of love and kindness just like all of us. I had a pocketful of change. I went up to him, and looked him in the eye, and put my money in his hat. I didn't care that he may spend it on alcohol. I just wanted him to know that someone does value him, and someone does care about him. He couldn't understnad me, and I was wishing I had kept up with my sign language. But our eyes met and his face changed from one of despair and struggle to a big , bright gummy smile with a handshake of thanks thrown in. I will never forget the look of thanks on his face, and how it lit up brighter than the sunshine that streamed through the bare branches of the trees. I just love that man, and I have no idea who he even is!

After reading my friend Connie's blog, and watching the video she posted there, I will never pass by another person in need and not try to help them as much as I can.