Thursday, April 16, 2009

There's a sucker born every minute

And I don't really care if its me.

I was heading out to lunch after I went to the bank to deposit my work check... I saw a man on the corner with a sign saying "Will work for food" Typical... you see it often. What got me was he looked "normal", Lucid and he had a dog. Animals always get to me. I am sure they get others too.

Yes, I have heard the stories about how some of these people have nice cars, nice homes and their job is to stand outside and act homeless. I know this, and being in a hurry I just thought "how sad" and went by... but in a few minutes I turned the car around and went back and handed him $5.00... because I thought "what if this was me and my dog (or cats)" "What if he really is hungry?" So, I handed him the money and told him to please feed his dog too. He thanked me, said he was having a hard time right now.. he acted and spoke just like anyone else you would meet in the store, in a line, on the street. And I felt like I did the right thing.

But I know... he could have been scamming me. But I also know that that is on him if it is so. I did my part to brighten up someones day...to make their load a little easier. And I hope that the spirit moves him when he gets back on his feet, and I hope he does.

Doing good things doesn't require going to another country... doesn't require your life savings... doesn't require your life.
It requires your compassion, your caring, your empathy. It could be holding a door, helping in a soup kitchen, donating food and clothes... or handing $5.00 to a homeless guy and his dog. And hoping that your good deed will go full circle and come back to you if you need it.

So today... I felt good, I felt sad, I felt glad. I hope he feels the same way, but I hope I helped eased some of the sadness I saw in his eyes and his dogs eyes. If only I could ease it for the many others out there in the same situation. I can only try my best to do so. I will do my best. I can make a difference, even if its only a small one. Will you?

12 comments:

Dina said...

like you said you have no way of knowing if it was legit, and its so hard when you see so many people asking for money..but you are right the karma is on him if he is not homeless, and you can take credit for a random act of kindness that's never a bad thing

Sandra said...

Legit or not... you are right.. it's on him.

Your spirit of giving is what will be rewarded.. not the gift itself... but the act of giving.

Even if he did live in a nice house and drive a nice car... he still could have been down and out...and you may have helped him make ends meet.

Unknown said...

I get asked for handouts everyday and to be honest, it angers me. I live in a place where my neighbors ask me for handouts when I come out to get Mel from school. So I'm not really the one to be objective on this one.

Minxy Mimi said...

Rachel... I can totally see where you are coming from and I am sorry. I do not get this every day, so for me, I had to do what I felt was right.

Seeker said...

i met a wonder lady many years ago. she spent her life giving and helping others. when i questioned her about some people possibly "using" her, she said "did it feel good to help?" and if it did, then it was the right thing to do...I have followed that advice and will for the rest of my life....

Good for you for doing the same. you NEVER have to justify what is right with you and how it makes you feel..you go girl

Kristina P. said...

I always feel so awkward and bad in situations like this. I don't give money a lot, but sometimes I will.

Kathy B! said...

I almost always give money. Best case scenario, I hlped someone who really needed it. Worst case scenario, I got scammed. If I did get scammed, though, who should be feeling bad about it? Not me. I had the money to give or I wouldn't have offered it and I'm willing to take the chance...

Anonymous said...

After all you've been through and you still give...Mimi, this is so touching. Your spirit is remarkable.

LadyStyx said...

I never give money. Been scammed too often. I do, however, provide them with at least a hot meal. It might be McDonalds or Burger King but at least it's something for their belly right now.

HeatherL said...

That's awesome, Mimi! I think you did a great thing. And like you said, if he scammed you, it's on him and not you. I'm proud of you, but not surprised!

Unknown said...

I commend you for this. I have done it before too, but not often. I see it alot where I live so if I handed money to every person I'd bee broker than I am. I taggged you. Stop by my blog ShimmerMeBlue if you want to play along.

Stacy Uncorked said...

Awww, bless your heart, Mimi! What an awesome post!