Hello
I have been meaning to post my experience I had at the local Skid Row district in my town but have staved off the desire to do so being as how this could be considered inappropriate self-agrandizement. Oh well… it's a good story.
So the other day I was driving in my truck and I got the very oddball idea from way out of left field about what it might be to be homeless and hopeless in my town. I was a little bored so I allowed my mind to venture down this path for a few minutes. I thought about the Christian movement that is supposed to alleviate suffering to the poor and the needy. They do their share, yep they do and that is fine. Well, I believe in that concept too, even as a non theist.
I thought… now what.. could I do to alleviate suffering to the homeless man or woman?
If I were a homeless man, what in the world would just make the day end with a gigantic cherry on top for me? A ham sandwhich? A flu shot in the ass? A haircut? A bowl of hot soup?
oh no those things would not do that. That's business as usual. As a homeless man, I would come to expect those things as given. They would always be there so what's the point in being grateful every day about them? After a year of free handouts, ya know? After a year or so… after 6 months even, you just get to thinking like that stuff is just part of the routine of being homeless.
I then had my epiphany. The idea hit me with much force… DING! Of course!
Like a bat out of hell I bulleted the blue sky down to the local Costco megaplex and bought my pre-packaged benevolence. It was so obvious! When was the last time anyone gave these guys a cold one? All they wanted was a beer. Visions of the begging man's placard appeared in my head. The one that always gets a chuckle out of me says something to the effect of
Why lie? All I really want is a beer
I picked up a case of Samuel Adams assorted goodies and headed on down to make some homeless man's dreams come true.
I turned onto the main street of Skid Row. I drove down a block or two and passed what looked like two female crack whores. They looked tired… and dazed. I felt badly for them. I stopped my truck when a grandfatherly looking homless man waved casually in my direction. His toothless smile… the khaki standard issue homeless clothing. He seemed nice enough. I hoped he wasn't signaling me for some misconstrued drug deal offer.
I stopped the truck and got out. I left the vehicle running.
Hey there? I said shyly.
How's things? I asked.
Ohhhhhhhhhh, pretty good, pretty good, the sun's out ain't it?
I wanted the exchange to be short. I felt uncomfortable and vulnerable. I felt a little bit of fear. But that is to be expected since we humans generally fear that which we do not understand.
Hey, I think I have something that will make your day go a little more smoothly…
and I reached into the back of my truck and hoisted out the case of Samuel Adams.
His eyes narrowed. He was obviously either stunned or confused or perhaps he was prepping himself for a Paul on the road to damascus beer god experience I don't know but I set the case of beer on the ground in front of him and asked him
Well? What do you like? Light? Pale? I even have a summer cherry brew in here somewhere.
Silence. The kind looking old guy paused and rubbed his eyes in disbelief.
Well, now, that's mighty fine of you… anything good for me, I'm not picky.
At that moment it was like I might as well have shot off a universal beer signal flare to the district because when I handed this man a beer a few others from across the street put down what they were doing and hustled their way over. I could see the two crack whores picking up the rear. I estimated that they might get there in time to enjoy a cold one. I hoped that the guys would share but I intimated that the rule of law in the streets would prevail and injustice very well might prevail.
Ya got some booze? one shouted excited
He's giving out free beer! shouted another.
Is that Samuel Adams? queried another… rather excitedly I might add.
Yep, I replied, Samuel Adams it is.
I gave out two or three more beers before relinquishing the case to the old man.
Pass these out for me, will you?
Sure thing, son.
The look of bewilderment had not vanished from his face. He was obviously dumbstruck… and it made me feel like a million bucks.
I got back into my car just as about 5 or 6 more guys came running over. I hoped there was enough for them. I closed the door of my truck and reached for my seatbelt. I gave a parting wave to the old white haired man and as I drove off, I could make out his lips forming the words
bless you
Damn I felt good inside. And I really tried hard not to break my arm patting myself on the back with this post. It was just a really cool experience.
Noggin
