PAYING IT FORWARD

Today I did something that I can take off of my bucket list, even though I did not know it was on the list. (apparently it was on a list that I am not aware of) I helped out a homeless person with the simple act of charity of buying them breakfast. For those of you who know me personally, I am not normally one that encourages the act of begging by panhandlers on the street but today something was different.

Let me back up just a little bit... Over the weekend, my wife and I spent the weekend in Indy to attend a Steampunk Valentines event and to enjoy the downtown area a bit. We come to Indy quite a bit. Downtown Indy is a great place, and we normally visit Indy during the huge gaming convention called GenCon, and during this time, the panhandlers are out in droves, begging for money, food, beer, cigarettes, you name it. And normally I pass them by as I see the game they are playing. They have cell phones, new Nike shoes, and Oakley sunglasses with their dirty clothes and hair.

But as I said, today was different. Last night as we were walking back from dinner and drinks with friends, I saw a guy sitting right out front of the Starbucks. And he looked cold. I thought to myself that if I had been in that Starbucks, would I buy him a hot coffee or chocolate, just to take the cold edge off? I probably would I said to myself. But yet, I walked by and went about enjoying the evening with my wife without another thought.

But God and the universe have a way of making what you think about, coming back to you. This morning, as we left the hotel to walk to the Einstein's Bagel shop for a quick breakfast I saw this older black man shuffling toward a couple in front of us, ask them something, but only turn away and walk toward us. I knew he was going to ask me for money. They always do. As long as I can recall, panhandlers have always targeted me for money or something like that. I don't know what it is about me, but I must have something that makes them beam in on me, even in a large crowd.

I hate the feeling that comes over me when I know a panhandler is going to proceed to beg from me. Partially because I don't like it and I have a belief that, yes, some people have bad lives, but people also have choices to make in their lives and some people chose badly, so why should they come looking to me to help fix it. Another reason I don't like it, is because I truly feel sorry for them but I don't wish to encourage their behavior, even though I know I could help them. Even just a little.

When this man approached us, I readied myself for the obvious question, but when he asked I almost did not understand him. His speech was a bit rough and I was expected something totally different from him. He asked,"Could you please help me get something to eat?" Frak!! (Ha ha ha, God... you are one sneaky son of a gun....) I was just thinking about this last night and now here is a guy asking if I could help him get something to eat.

I turned to my wife and asked her if she would mind if we helped find him something to eat? The look on her face probably reflected my own. Surprise, confusion, and a bit of uncertainty. I said we were on our way to breakfast and that I would be happy to buy him a bagel and coffee. I really had no idea that I had just said that. It just came out. And of course, he accepted. He introduced himself as Terry and that he had been in Indy since 1972 when he moved here with his foster family from Ft. Wayne. He also said that most of his family had passed away in the last few years and that he had been on the streets for about six months now.

We walked into the bagel shop and I told the cashier that I was paying for his meal and he promptly order an egg and cheese bagel with a large coffee and quietly waited in line while I ordered for my wife and I and payed the cashier.

We all got our coffee and proceeded to find a seat to sit. I was not sure if he was going to take off and proceed on his way or what but instead he sat with us and when our order was ready, he would eat his meal with us as we talked.

Terry had been working at a loading dock and about two years ago he suffered a back injury that required surgery and it was found he had a small tumor that was removed. However, he lost his job and with most of his family gone, he was one his own and subsequently found himself on the streets of Indianapolis. He says that for the most part, he tries to stay warm and dry, he visits a church once a week for a service and a meal, but the rest of the time he was out trying to survive. His birthday he said was August 16th and he will be 57 years old this year.

We talked a little bit about my wife's injuries and how that things can get better, even when you think they can't. I told him that you have to believe it will. Because if you don't, then your fight is lost. You have to keep believing.

We talked for a short while more, finished our meals and said our goodbye and well wishes and I told him, if he could, pay the favor forward in the future.

Now here is the kicker. When leaving, I noticed that the cashier had not charged me for Terry's order. Whether on purpose or accident, his meal did not cost me a thing. Only my time and my conversation. (God...you sneaky, sneaky son of a gun......)

This year, at GenCon, I don't know if I will see Terry on the streets or not, but if I do, I am buying him lunch.

Live Long and Prosper!