Real life in December 2012

Today I had some errands to run.  Twice, I was stopped dead in my tracks, to simply watch and learn from life.

First, I went to a local department store.  Outside of the store, there were many people, even families, sitting on the concrete.  Waiting.  There were others on benches.  Waiting.  There were so many of them!  So, I looked around for a clue, and I noticed a bus pulling in.  Suddenly, people poured in from all directions.  Women holding the hands of little children.  Students.  Elderly people.  Most were clean and simply dressed.  A few looked like they might be homeless.  There were so many of them that I had to stop my car, sit and wait for them to cross the lane in front of my car as they headed for the bus.  Life Lesson #1 - "These are the working poor, the people who are just trying to get by every day."  

Second, I went to a grocery store.  At the meat section, there was an elderly couple looking closely at the various cuts of meat, checking the price of each package, and then putting it back in the case.  This went on for a while, until finally, the woman looked at the man and said, "What are we going to do?".  I glanced at the contents of their basket and noted maybe 4-5 items.  Life Lesson #2 - "This is what living on a small pension or fixed income looks like."  

There are lots of 'invisible' people out there.  They aren't asking for a hand out. They use public transportation and cut back on food to make ends meet. They don't see doctors when ill.  They put cardboard in their shoes.  They go to bed exhausted from long days with growling tummies.  It made me sob with shame.

I decided I have to do something at every opportunity.  Me ... not Washington. My eyes are open, the blinders are gone,, and I want to change.

Starting today, I will carry a few extra five dollar bills, to give to elderly people buying groceries, and I will say "Thank you for being a part of our community.  God bless you" with a big smile.  I will take sandwiches, cookies, and bottles of water to the bus stops.  Most of all, I am going to keep my eyes open and look for personal opportunities.  I hope it will help folks to know that people notice and care.