MOBT

November 16, 2010

Steady income, a roof over our heads, and food on our table... Sounds like common sense, right? Well today was a little special for me. I was on my daily grind of running around town trying to get things done. I was tired and just wanted to be home getting house work done. That is when I saw something that I have seem many times. This one, some how, pulled at my heart strings. I was getting off the freeway, and the light had just turned green so traffic was moving. I was in the far lane when I saw him. There stood a man holding a sign that read, "Out of work, desperate, I have kids." Although his sign would make any mother sad, it wasn't the sign that got to me. It was the way he was standing there, the way his head was hung, and the shame on his face. He didn't want to be there holding that sign. It brought tears to my eyes as I drove away. There was something in me that wanted to turn around and give this guy some money and tell him things would get better. I never give money to people on the side of the road and I am not sure why this man touched me so much. I didn't have cash, so I decided I was going to go to the store and get some. By the time I got back on the freeway and off the exit again, he was gone. I felt horrible that I never got the chance to help. Yes, maybe he would have just bought his next fix, a pack of cigarettes, or a bottle of vodka, but I was willing to give him that chance. Because it may have meant that he made his rent, or bought some milk, diapers, or a loaf of bread. So today I am grateful to the man holding the sign who reminded how fortunate I am, and that I do not have to see my kids go without.