Gratitude

I once had to make an ATM deposit. I was annoyed with myself because I left it to rather late (various payments were due that very day). When I got to the ATM a street person approached me and asked me to buy him a meal which I did once I had completed my transaction.

I went into a nearby fast-food restaurant and ordered the chicken meal and some juice before meeting him by the collection counter. He didn't take the ticket from me but stood there and we chatted. He wore a cast because he had a broken ulna. He told me that he doesn't go to shelters at night to sleep because they are either not safe or the regulars know how to beat the system and gain entry over newbies. He spoke intelligently and seemed very sad, repeating that once his arm was mended he would be able to take better care of himself. What broke my heart was how very young he looked no older than 25.

I returned home that night with a grateful heart - I had enough to make a deposit. I had enough to provide a meal for a stranger. I had enough to spend a little time with someone that most people don't even see. And I've been thinking ever since, that I am very fortunate and often take that for granted.