Lately, I have seen the same homeless man on the train. He’s a tall and slender African American probably in his 40s and week after week, he wears the SAME clothes, pants held up by a string for a belt with a dirty grey sweatshirt and no shoes, yes, NO SHOES. I have never seen him in shoes, he walks the subways barefoot asking for help or food. He doesn’t come off as whining but instead empty and weak. My heart goes crazy when I see this man. I want to know why he’s here? What’s his story? I want to know why he’s on the train begging? Has he tried to help himself? What kind of help is there for him to take? And simply, what’s his shoe size??! I want to get him some shoes!!!
Tonight I asked myself those same questions. I was on the train about 11pm heading home and there he was. Again, my heart swelled up for him. Looking the same from the last time I saw him (a week ago). I just wanted to stop him and talk to him, take him to a store, a restaurant and shelter. BUT I know thats not a safe thing to do, alone at least. So I just sat there, gave him my water and melted when he looked me in my eyes and said thank you 3 times in a row. As I watched his bare-feet walk away I asked myself: how could someone have nothing and no one? I thought how frustrating it is that the next day for him was going to be another day of begging all to survive and do it again.
I’m really just left with questions. What is there to do? How can I help? can I even help?
I have seen tonssss of homeless people since living in New York City and it has become normal to see them. There are those who are putting on a show while others are sincere. It’s those whom my heart goes out to. And this man continually being at the same place at the same time as me has touched me in a more personal way. I can’t imagine being in his position and I’m incredibly moved by his challenge and courage to ask others for help. For now, I’m just asking questions, but I hope to somehow give back more. Whether it continues to be through small acts of giving food and water or something bigger, either way I’m awakened.
Tags: Compassion, Homeless, New York City, NYC