Your Life Can Change In An Instant
A few Months ago I was on my way home after work and I saw a homeless lady. She had two large shopping bags packed sitting on a shpping cart.
I parked my car and went over to say hello and ask her how she was doing. She said she was alright and we struck up a conversation and started talking.
I asked her if she was hungry and she said she had her coffe and something to eat already and she was not hungry.
She told me she was homeless and had been homeless for seven years, since she lost her home when hurricane Sandy completely destroyed her home and the family car. I asked her about FEMA. She said she had no transportation and the process to go through FEMA was such a long and arduous process. She could not make it to the meetings to obtain the benefits she was entitled to.Her husband was with her when this occurred. He died four years ago.
She went to the Department of Social Services and was turned down twice. She does get Social Security Benefits. She has some furniture in storage.
I asked her what I could do to help her. She said she was looking for housing.
I gave her some money and I immediately inquired about housing in my area and in an adjacent county. She told me she was not a city girl and she wanted to stay in an area that was not so densely populated.
I have seen this lady a couple of times at the bus stop but did not get the chance to stop and talk to her. Hopefully she has found housing and ok.
I thought to myself how fortunate I am.
Life can change in an instant for the good or the bad.
The experience has made me more thankful for my life, health and well being and made me more determined to continue to move forward.
The positive inspiration I get from this community helps me in my quest to accomplish my goals and be the best I can be.
Recent Comments
7
Wow! So powerful. You are truly a good man to have stopped and taken time to engage with her. I know most folks just speed by with their busy lives. I hope she does find a place. Thank you for taking time to care.
Chrisitne
I can relate, Ronald. Whenever I start to complain about my situation or feel sorry for myself, I look at the news or someone else's situation, and I don't feel so bad and I thank the good Lord above for my situation. The old saying, "I once complained because I had no shoes, until I saw the man with a smile but noticed that he had no feet!" Of course, I'm missing half of my right foot, but I still feel incredibly blessed because I easily could have died. Now I embrace each new day and do my best to live it to the fullest! Thanks for sharing!
Jeff
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Hey Ronald,
Your account of kindness is a truly feel good story. Its too bad the rest of us can't follow your example of helping a less fortunate person.
The story was very apropos for this time of year when we are all supposed to have good will to all. I believe in the saying, that doing a good deed will bring you good fortune in return.
Think back since you did that kindness and see if you didn't get some unexpected good fortune.
Best of luck for the rest of your life,
Don