Connections

For several years now, my family has been feeding the homeless at St. John's Church every 4th Friday of the month as part of PADS. This has been very rewarding and humbling at the same time for all of us.

Rewarding because we are being of service and helping people that need help, a warm bed and good food. Most importantly they need someone to listen to them, treat them kindly and not feel repulsed by them.

Humbling because, in this day and age, who knows what may be next for any of us. For most of the PADS attendees, it has been a crippling illness, loss of job, addiction to alcohol or drugs, or just bad luck that has sent them on this downward journey.

Now, I am known as the Beverage Lady. I am the second point of contact for them as they arrive. Oftentimes, they are thirsty or cold and want milk or coffee. As usual, I great them with a cheerful hello, how was your day. Many are just happy that someone has acknowledged them, is speaking to them and even asking them about themselves. For others, it takes time to warm up to a do-gooder that they see once a month. I take no offense, but I do give it my all as I serve graciously and without judgement.

Because of my friendliness, caring and concern, I have had my fair share of proposals and date requests. My family finds this quite amusing and my niece and daughter are quite appalled and often lets them know that "She's Married" in their loudest voices. However, I have to explain to them, that they are reacting to kindness. This is something that we really want to instill in our children. It doesn't hurt to be kind for one night. People deserve kindness, no matter their station in life. God expects us to look out for our neighbors in a kind and concerned manner.

To my point, this past Friday, I met a woman who was previously a PADS resident. She has been clean (jail, alcohol, drugs, etc) for 1 year and came back to serve as part of her community service. She had a fascinating story and I of course listened. Because at the end of the night, we go home to our warm house and beds. The residents sleep on cots in a gymnasium. As we were cleaning up and packing to leave, the woman wanted to take the leftover ice cream for her children and grandchildren, but she didn't have a ride. At that moment and before I knew where she lived I offered to take her home. Now had my sister been there, she would be calling me a bleeding heart and soft touch. My sister is cordial and serves gratefully, but she doesn't want to hear any stories, nor would she have let me take the woman home. I was not concerned for my safety, so much as I was concerned for her waiting outside in the cold on a Friday, late at night.

As we drove her and the ice cream home, more of her story unfolded and I was fascinated and saddened. Here was a woman who really wanted to get off the streets and wanted to give back. Who are we, not to help her on her upward journey. Don't get me wrong, I was concerned when she first told me where she lived, but I have faith and that kept me mindful of the task I was about to embark on. This was a woman at night that needed a ride and I had a car.

I am a true believer in connections and trying to learn something from each and everyone. Friday night I learned that it did not cost me anything to listen to this woman's story or take her home. However, I was happy that I kept the faith and served someone else.

Please let me know how a chance meeting or connection helped you or helped someone else.

Peace and love,

Sandals

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