—
It was the phrase on the back of his shirt that intrigued me the most. I have a real soft spot in my heart for the homeless. I never slept on a park bench, but I did spend a few long nights sleeping in cars. I also remember burrowing into a small trailer that a kind lady offered. It was her trash container, but to me it was a bed. Because of this experience I can’t drive past someone in a tough situation without at least thinking twice. But this time it was different.
He was extremely clean cut. The sign he held said “I just need some shoes.” As I approached him I braced myself for the smell that usually strikes me when I come near these poor unfortunate folks. But there was no smell. In fact, he was very, very clean. Perhaps it was the phrase on his shirt that had motivated him.
His story was incredible. Typically I hear stories of unfortunate circumstances. Happenings out of the control of the victim are the tales that fill many of my encounters. I was expecting something of the sort. When I was in a similar position, I had hundreds of reasons why this had happened to me. It wasn’t until I realized I had a hand in it that I could move on. When I heard his story I was floored.
Sitting in the shade of a tree, in the manicured grass of the fast food place he explained, “I screwed up. I started drinking, got into drugs, and wrecked my life.” His breath smelled of toothpaste and his eyes dimmed with shame. He explained how tough it had been to reach his first 30 days of sobriety, but now, 90 days later it was getting easier each day. I told him not to worry. I explained that I had been through some struggles and that I could understand. He smiled, and I saw the hope of things possible. I saw that this man had a chance. Perhaps his shirt was right, and maybe, just maybe he could beat the odds.
He told me he tried to stay clean. There was a church that would let him shower regularly. He wanted to keep up his appearance and hygiene so he slept in different clothes than what he wore during the day. He liked to take off his shoes at night to let them air out. He said it kept them and his feet cleaner. But, as he had found out the previous night, it also opened him up to theft.
This was a chance to help someone change their life, and perhaps watch it happen.
|
He produced a free, government phone from his pocket, along with an ID card. He told me he had gotten them because he knew they would help him find work. He explained the meager amount he would make from government assistance wasn’t enough to pay for any housing he knew of. He just wanted to go to work. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. This man had taken all the steps he knew to take in order to move ahead in his life! He was me when I was struggling out of my mess. What could I possibly do to help? His shirt explained him well, and I was ready to do whatever it took to help him in his own effort.
We made some exchanges and I wound up with his phone number. I couldn’t help but feel giddy. Here was an opportunity to actually help someone. Not offer up the change in my pocket and wonder what it went to, not buy someone lunch so they aren’t hungry for a short time. This was a chance to help someone change their life, and perhaps watch it happen. I began to think the phrase on his shirt said it all.
“I don’t want to lose my assistance.”
|
I visited a few businesses, relaying my experience and hoping they could offer this man a second chance. A few places kindly said “No thanks,” and others wished me luck. Then I hit the jackpot. A big named retail outlet heard my story. The hiring manager happened to be the first person I spoke with. She cocked her head, smiled and said, “Bring him in. We happen to be looking for good people right now!”
I was more excited than if the job was for me! He had the chance to prove his shirt right! As he answered the phone I smiled and said, “Great news. I found a place that is hiring. They know your story, they want to talk to you and they will pay you 3 times what your assistance is now!”
My heart dropped when he asked, “Is it under the table?”
“No,” I choked out, “why?”
“I don’t want to lose my assistance.”
Flabbergasted I explained, “They are going to pay you 3 times what your assistance is. You will be able to afford a place to stay and be back on the road to anywhere you want to be.”
“Yeah but I don’t have to work for what I have right now and I don’t want to lose it. If you find anything under the table where I can keep my assistance let me know.”
I nearly dropped the phone. I thought I was really going to help someone off the streets. I thought that he was the guy I could point to and say, “He actually did it. He took responsibility and made a future for himself.”
I wish him the best. I’m not sure how many opportunities he gets but I hope they continue for him. I stopped the day I saw him to help. But my idea of help and his were not the same. Looking back I guess I made a mistake. Maybe it was his shirt that made me stop.
On the back it said “I SEIZE THE DAY.” What would you have done?
—
Photo: Getty Images