I saw a dude get off Trax at one of the stations. He looked pretty rough, and was all bruised and cut on his face. He was walking down the street, sort of talking to himself. I stopped what I was doing and asked him if he needed a ride somewhere or if he needed anything. He took the ride, so I drove him to another town to where he was headed.
A few years ago he was let go from a job he held for over 10 years. He couldn't find anything else, so he decided in his own words to "stop living, and start surviving". He now wanders around without a job or place to live. He stays with friends here and there, but not sure where he stays the rest of the time. The night before he was going to a friends to stay there, but the friend ditched out and said she was out of town and wouldn't come home and he didn't find out until he was already there late. He ended up walking back towards the train station and on his way at a 7 eleven he bought a drink, and while he was on his way out a couple of guys asked him to distract the employee so they could steal a couple of 30 packs. He said no and said they shouldn't be stealing, and then they changed their tune real quick and jumped him, he used his backpack to block as many punches and kicks as he could but they grabbed his backpack and then took off. So he then had no cash, phone, or any of his stuff, but still headed on to the job he had lined up.
I dropped him off at the job, where he thanked me and got out. He refused any money, but was grateful for the ride.
I hope the small act of giving him a ride will help counter a small piece of him getting robbed and beaten.
I was busy and could have easily moved on without noticing him or doing anything to help, as I had my kids in the car and we were on our way somewhere.
I think we all have opportunities for charity and helping others around us if we look for them with the intention to act and help where needed. Don't be too busy or afraid to help.
While charity from other people far away are nice stories, but I hope that they lead to our own stories.
tried it from my iPhone
