Posted by RocketMan on December 4, 2009, at 20:46:55
I am quite blessed in that I have a loving family and we are able to live a comfortable life. We live in a smaller city located in British Columbia where the weather is becoming quite frigid. The overnight lows are now dipping into the -15c, not an environment suitable for camping!
There is a homeless man that wonders throughout our town, his torn sneakers exposing his bare feet along with a jacket not fit for a cool spring night.
My wife and I, over the past several days, have attempted to offer assistance to him by way of new boots, socks and an insulated jacket. As down as he may appear, I can not get him to accept our offerings, no matter how persistent we may be.
The only item he will accept is a package of cigarettes, which we have provide 3 time now. I completely understand his craving for the cigarettes and feel good that he enjoys them.
Tonight, we again offered him the clothing along with $20 for whatever his needs be. Again, he politely refused everything, except for 5 cigarettes.
This has turned into a mission for myself. I am determined to see this individual walking around our community wearing warm clothing along with a weathered smile.
I can only imagine this man's past and the hardship he has faced. I can see the anguish in his eyes and perhaps I feel as though I am looking into a mirror for the times I have suffered through with my depression.
I believe I shall give no greater gift this Christmas than that of helping a lonely, broken sole.
As so many of us here have battled with depression, we have gained a valuable insight, the ability to fight and rise up when all seems lost.
I know Christmas will come, in fact, it may have come early......**Rick**
poster:RocketMan
thread:928103
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20091125/msgs/928103.html