Tags
compassion, kindness, loving kindness, mankind, mental illness, poverty, psychology, social science, social work, unconditional love
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Author: http://ow.ly/AD39S
Blogger: http://ow.ly/AD3t4
Facebook: http://ow.ly/AD2sG
2010
How It Began
My lungs ached, as frost hung in the bitterly cold December morning air, making breathing difficult. I trudged in the falling snow toward the building where I work, in one of the city’s grey, concrete, office tower canyons. I dodged other pedestrians, also trying to get to work on time, I noticed a woman seated cross-legged on the sidewalk with her back against a building wall. A snow-covered Buddha, wrapped in a sleeping bag, shivering in the below freezing temperature. I guessed her to be in her forties. Everything about her seemed round. She had the most angelic face, sparkling blue eyes and a beautiful smile. A cap was upturned in front of her. I thought, There but for the grace of God go I. Her smile and blue eyes haunted me all day.
In the past I’ve been unemployed, my wife and I were unable to pay our mortgage and other bills, we went through bankruptcy, lost our house, my truck. Being in my fifties, my prospects looked dim. It could have been me, on the sidewalk, in her place.
I was told not to give money to panhandlers because they’ll just spend it on booze. I thought to myself, What should I do, if anything? What would you do? I asked for advice from a friend who has worked with homeless people. She said, ‘The woman is probably hungry. Why don’t you ask her if she’d like a breakfast sandwich and maybe a coffee?’
That sounded reasonable, so the next day I asked, “Are you hungry? Would you like some breakfast, perhaps a coffee?”
“That would be nice,” she replied.
When I brought her a sandwich and coffee she said to me, “Thank you so much, sir. You’re so kind. Bless you.” I truly felt blessed.
This has become a morning routine for the past four years. The woman (I’ll call Joy) and I have become friends. Often I’ll sit with her on the sidewalk. We sometimes meet her companions in the park. They have become my closest friends. I think of them as angels. My life has become much richer for the experience.
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pearlz said:
Reblogged this on Pearlz Dreaming and commented:
Check out Dennis’s Book!
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Michele Seminara said:
So beautiful!
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wanderlustress786 said:
Wow, this was such a touching read.
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sunnylevac said:
You have a good heart 🙂 not many out there who do that.
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Debbie said:
You know, we all talk about making a positive difference — you’re doing it, Dennis, and you’ve earned my respect! Thank you for your caring heart.
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Sabra Bowers said:
I’m inspired by your post.
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Jim Brennan said:
Isn’t it amazing how much people who have nothing add to our own lives and teach us the most valuable lessons. They are the brave ones, the resilient.
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Mark Lanesbury said:
That must bring back some memories Dennis 🙂
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thisihumblyspeak said:
Dennis, as always, your compassion and sensitivity shine through all your writings.
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pearlz said:
This is such a profound and compassionate work Dennis.
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William Hudson said:
Help someone in need.
Then feel blessed for the opportunity.
Strange, but true.
Timely for myself.
Thanks Dennis!
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mihrank said:
wow – the last phrase ” My Life become much richer for the experience” – Just reminds me the time I graduated my Master degree with honors..wow!!
https://kmihran.wordpress.com/2015/02/14/a-piano-interview-with-mihran-mino-kalaydjian/
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