People come into our life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. ~ Unknown
He came bundled in a heavy Carhartt coat, although the weather didn’t call for this. His was a comfortable face, one would say even attractive, although weathered by time and circumstance, I’m sure. The eyes are what I was drawn to, warm and forgiving, I thought. When he told me a little of his story, the eyes belied his life. His was the face of the homeless.
I have volunteered feeding the homeless, but other than a “hello, how are you, enjoy your meal” I never took the time or had the opportunity to learn about the person I was feeding. Most times those being given what may have amounted to their only meal of the day were appreciative but there was an emptiness to them, a hollowness where life on the streets had stripped them of their marrow. The gentleman who walked into the laundry room this day did not exude these tremulous feelings. Eye contact was made; greetings were passed; and I soon began to learn his story.
He was very deliberate about the telling, very matter-of-fact, no anger, no sadness, just a story to tell it seemed. He had an audience in me, as we were the only souls inhabiting this space and it was laundry day for him. Truth is I wanted his story; I needed to know his story.
It’s cold in the wintertime, and the handouts are few. Is the whole world so blind to the plight of the few? It could be your neighbour, who should be your friend. In the heart of the homeless the heartaches don’t end. ~ Farrell and Farrell
Having been on the streets since 1996 he seemed aware of current events in the area and worked from time to time, when he could find it. When work was not to be found, he took to the bottle. He knew this was his weakness and was honest about that. Today seemed to be a slow day for work based on the pungent smell wafting off of him.
I asked where he slept and if he was warm enough. He said he was fine and that there were others much more in need than he. The loss of a job some years back started this downward spiral and he knew no job now could get him to a place where he could afford rent. His car went the way of his job when it refused to start one day. A simple story but one that could be told by millions of people today balancing on the precipice.
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Don’t laugh at me; don’t call me names. Don’t get your pleasure from my pain. In God’s eyes we’re all the same. Someday we’ll all have perfect wings. Don’t laugh at me. Don’t laugh at me. ~ Mark Wills
Paint Your Landscape 
Good reminder for all of us. Thank you for sharing.
It was a great experience for me.
Thanks for sharing. Maybe he needed someone to listen.
I think many times when we are struggling we just need to know that our voice is being heard.
thanks, lu.
i’ve spent a lot of time with homeless people. like you wrote, many of them just want someone to know that they are there. you gave the man a great gift.
ps–beautifully written
Thanks David. I was really drawn to this man and his story.
What an absolutely beautifully written blog. Every word came from your huge heart. I received a quote that so fits what you have written about…you are never alone or helpless. The force that guides the stars guides you too….and you, dear heart, give from within. What a blessing you are!
Les, I love the quote and love you too for the kind words. The words you have written about me describe you to a tee and that, my beautiful friend, is what continues to draw me closer to you. I look forward to the time when we can be together again, to share our thoughts and desires. Until then, you are tucked away in my heart.
thank you luann for the story, it makes my heart ache to think of all those homeless people who no one listens to. you are truly a dear person with always room in heart for someone else. hugs
Thanks. No different than you, dear friend. A big hug right back to you and Charlie.
WOW!!! As said before beautifully written and from the heart.
Thanks Joyce!
thanks for the reminder. your writings made me feel so blessed with what God had given me, and i am truly grateful for that. have a great day, luann!
Thanks for the comment. God has given you an amazing talent that you express through the lens of your camera.
Thank you for this thoughtful, introspective and optimistic blog space you’ve created. I’ve learned much here lately, which comes at a time when I’m questioning our current lifestyle and what comes next. Sometimes people come into your life for a reason. Indeed.
Yes they do. This blogging community has come into my life at the perfect time. 🙂