Small Things are Big Things
Homeless encampments have increased over 50% in the last year, here in the 505, (Albuquerque). Aside from practically every intersection, residential areas are even seeing homeless activity increase. This is nothing new, right? It’s everywhere and it seems harder to cope with lately. Even with the guilt trip tactic of a subtle wave holding a cardboard sign with cliche words of help and blessings to having animals in tow to garner sympathy, I admit it, I ignore these people often and their problems. I have my own to deal with. I worked hard to get where I am. I pay my bills, taxes, and I’m late for a meeting, plus, the light just turned green and I don’t have time to look at you let alone roll down my window to help you while getting honked at because I’m stopping traffic.
I drove off, looking in my rear view mirror watching him drop the sign by his side walking close to the asphalt wall to wait for the next batch of cars. Don’t get it all twisted, I’ve given money, water, blankets, dog food, before to whomever needed it. I get it, if you feed the problem it grows, you enable helplessness. Doesn’t that apply to everything and everyone in life though? I thought to myself, “Hold up…where the “f” has my compassion gone?” I’ve been where he was. I’ve slept in my car and have lived in some sketchy conditions at one point in my life. I used government assistance when myself and my son really needed it. But I also used resources and tapped into getting an education that would help me create a better life. I never relied on anyone but myself. This is still true.
I know you’ve heard this before…If we want things to change, we have to start within ourselves. I truly believe in this.
Later that day, I had to meet with a few teachers at an elementary school. I had a few minutes and decided to stop at Wendy’s for a quick burger. The line was wrapped around the median as usual. As I got closer to order, I saw this young guy sitting on a blanket intently creating his sign for help. Sleeping beside him, was his dog. He kept outlining the words so they would be simple yet bold and big enough to read. As the cars passed by him, he never looked up. It’s as if he wanted the perfect sign but didn’t want to show it to anyone. I watched for a bit and then rolled down my window.
“Hey,” I shouted to get his attention. He lifted his head as he stayed hunched from writing. “What do you want to eat?” I said. He looked so confused and a bit intimidated by my initiation. I continued, “I’m getting a burger, do you and the doggo want anything?”
He got up and said, “Wow, ya, ok…a burger please,” he replied.
I’m like, “Honestly, anything you want, I’ll get it. Do you want fries? Coke? What about for your lil monkey?” (I call all doggos monkeys.)
He still seemed confused. He took a step closer and stopped as he said, “I’m sorry, I’m not used to giving my order to someone. I take what I’m given, but I’m not used to having a choice.” So he walked next to my vehicle and looked at the lit up menu. “Can I get a cheeseburger, no lettuce, but can I have bacon? And just nuggets for Lilly?”
“Of course,” I responded, “What about a drink?”
He smiled and said, “Would it be ok to get the mango lemonade? Have you tried it? It’s so good!”
“You got it. I’ll meet you around the corner.” I put in our order and he met me on the other side of the parking lot. He thanked me and I told him to be safe.
Now, call this post what you want, do what you want. I’m just saying, we all struggle, we stoop to lows we wish we could take back, we are selfish by nature, but we are all human. Do things without the need for reciprocation. Give that extra tip at the coffee shop, a random smile at someone you don’t know. It’s the small things that make a big difference.
Remember that.
Trish 💜
