A thought for the Homeless
This picture above I took a couple of weeks ago and in the 3-4 times I have returned to the city since taking this picture, the homeless resident has been moved on. I wonder where he went, I wondered about his life and I wondered what, if any, were his lifes hopes and dreams. I often think that distance between the homeless and me is a thin line. I have never esteemed myself to be better than them, certainly more fortunate, but never better.
As I traversed the city yesterday, I saw a couple of other people with no fixed abode. One was walking down the footpath with an abandoned shopping trolley with his lifes possessions in it's wirey frame and he was cantankerous and talking out loud. I just smiled and allowed him to pass freely. I marvel at the resilience of these people. They are toughened and hardened, largely because they have to be to survive, but I feel for them.
Whilst I was a missionary in the Philippines in '84-86 I often would buy the "forgotten ones" food when they came begging for money. Most only wanted money for booze and crap like that which I would not assist in, but when they were hungry they sought me out. I would buy them bread or buns and a drink, they always said thank you, and I knew they appreciated it. When I was, and still am in a position to help others, I always feel good.
My heart has room enough for people who may have less than me. Someone once said to me that he "knew" I doubt that but will continue, a homeless man who was a millionaire, so we shouldn't help them because they probably have more money than you do.
I don't know that, but I care about people who struggle, I know what that is like having been raised by a mother subsisting on a widows pension. I know the hurt that stays in the heart when you have nothing. I know the tears of despair that encircle you like vultures waiting for you to die. I know the excuses and lies you create to tell others why you can't attend the school excursion, or the party or even why you are unable to take a friend out to the movies. I know the pain of condescending eyes who gaze upon you in dismissive judgement, I know it, and pray I will never look upon another with that same pompous arrogance.
That is why I loved living in a third world country for two years. I learned to be grateful in more ways than I had ever imagined. I think it helped erode the "chips" that I had on both shoulders.
That is why every day I am grateful to God for allowing me to enjoy the life I do. I am grateful for the little things, and rarely let anything go unnoticed.
Comments
A couple of things ... One is a saying I've heard almost all my life. You probably know it: "I used to feel sorry for myself because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet."
Well, actually two sayings ... "There but for the grace of God go I."
When I was driving a Yellow Cab, I often sat in a certain Washington Mutual parking garage after dark. It was well lit, and I would park the car where I could both see the street and the drive-thru entrance at the same time, put my seat back a little, and read to my heart's content while waiting for my next trip.
Every once in awhile I would fall asleep while reading. Upon waking up on one of these occasions, I was startled to see a person sleeping on the floor of the garage.
He could have accosted me while I slept, but did not. I got used to seeing him there. Over time, we started talking. His name was Danny. His brother was a dentist, he said, and wanted Danny to live with him, but Danny preferred the streets.
He had a shopping cart, too, and all of his goods were neatly placed in there. As the weather got colder, I gave him a blanket. I was worried about his not being warm enough. He didn't want to take it, but I insisted. A month or so later, I noticed that he wasn't using the blanket. I asked him why not. He said that someone had taken it from him. (That was why he hadn't wanted to accept it in the first place.)
I 'worked the streets' (a taxicab driver expression) a lot when I drove Yellow, and got to know many street people. I was not in any danger from most of them, altho there were some on the streets that we all avoided because they were not in their right minds and were fairly unpredictable.
Just one more story. (But boy, are the memories flooding back!)
This one is not a personal memory, but one that was reported on the news within recent months about a street person who was slightly grazed by a light rail car and initially refused medical treatment. I don't know why it was exactly that the police were called in, but they were. Turns out that this man is an/a in/famous panhandler in the downtown area, and he had many tens of thousands of dollars in his pockets, socks, etc.
One of the Astros' most famous pitchers was years later found living on the streets.
There are all sorts of stories. Thousands from the Houston area, alone.
Your personal experiences in life, Craig, first growing up and then with your missionary service, have all contributed to who you are now as an individual.
This is a very sensitive post, and beautifully-written.
Thank you for sharing.
__________________________________________________
Goldenrod, What a wonderful comment. I really enjoyed your experiences and find those recollections insightful and revealing. I appreciate the sentiments you express about me. I am very grateful for you.
Thanks
...a sobering fact sheet:
http://209.85.173.104/search?q=cache:lP_Li0m8PgUJ:www.nationalhomeless.org/publications/facts/Why.pdf+why+are+people+homeless&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&client=safari
I have heard it said that a large proportion of homeless people are unwell, it seems research confirms this:
"Mental disorders prevent people from carrying out essential aspects of daily life, such as self-care, household management and interpersonal relationships. Homeless people with mental disorders remain homeless for longer periods of time and have less contact with family and friends. Many of the mentally ill (especially those with severe disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression), both the homeless and others, often misinterpret the guidance of others and react irrationally because of their condition(s). This pushes away friends and family and other caregivers occasionally leading to homelessness or a longer a period of homelessness (Mental Illness, Chronic Homelessness: An American Disgrace, 2000)"
Mental Health and homelessness...an insightful article:
http://209.85.173.104/search?q=cache:Nb7yMLLjIT8J:www.nationalhomeless.org/publications/facts/Mental_Illness.pdf+homeless+and+mental+health&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=5&client=safari
I have a close friend who spends time homeless in the streets due to a mental health problem (schizophrenia) that prevents her from functioning in a mainstream sense.
The worry and concern from family and friends is sometimes overwhelming. She is at great risk of abuse and harm on the streets, yet prefers to be 'independent' and self-sufficient. It is a very high-risk way to live. Would that we could intervene but we are unable to do so as she is in every legal sense a free agent.
V2T
I'm touched by this one because of the volunteer program at the shelter I mentioned earlier.
I also wonder what their stories are and how they even ended up homeless.
I see about 500-700 people come in at night and have dinner. Sometimes I just sit and stare and go into a trance.....many are so young, in their 20's and handsome.
Others come in with families, 2 or 3 kids.
Very sad yet humbling.
Lets all hope we never end up this way....I think at one time they were just normal folks living their life....and ended up with the short end of the stick.
My heart goes out to them.
Thanks for a wonderful insight to your feelings and life.
________________________________________________
Dear Ruby,
I am so impressed that you work in a shelter to help the needy. It is staggering to see the people who have fallen through societies cracks isn'tit. Phil Collins sang about it in his song Another Day in Paradise, I am proud that you do not walk away but help in practical ways. Bless you for that. I was afan of a song I think was called one little candle, that essentially said, If everyone lit just one little candle, what a bright world this would be.
Thank you for lighting one little candle by your example. I only donated time at Christmas to help the homeless and hungry, yet there are opportunities all around everyday for me to help. You have inspired me moe.
As Goldenrod so aptly pointed out:
"There but for the grace of God go I."
The crux of the first reference I posted:
"Two trends are largely responsible for the rise in homelessness over the past 20-25 years: a growing shortage of affordable rental housing and a simultaneous increase in poverty. Homelessness results from a complex set of circumstances that require people to choose between food, shelter, and other basic needs. Only a concerted effort to ensure jobs that pay a living wage, adequate support for those who cannot work, affordable housing, and access to health care will bring an end to homelessness."
http://209.85.173.104/search?q=cache:lP_Li0m8PgUJ:www.nationalhomeless.org/publications/facts/Why
Thankyou!