Simple act of kindness

Today, while walking, I came face to face with a dishevelled old man who quickly gave me his sob story before I could walk out of earshot. "I'm on the street and I'd like to get some lunch. Can you spare any change?" I politely declined his request and continued on.

I took about 20 steps and then started to feel sorry for him. I thought to myself that he'd probably just spend any money given to him on booze or drugs. He didn't seem quite all there. Then I thought that whatever he does with it, it'll be something he deems more necessary at the moment to help him cope with his obviously unpleasant circumstances. He may need to escape from his problems for a while or he may indeed need to eat something.

I dug into my pocket and found a couple of Toonies (Canadian $2 coins). I turned around and started back just in time to see another man solicited and reject the pan handler. I walked up and told him "Here, take this" and dropped the coins into his outstretched hand. He looked at me, then at the coins in his still outstretched hand and then back at me as if he couldn't comprehend what had just happened. Finally, he said "Thanks a lot, chief. You're very kind". I mumbled "No problem" as I turned to go on my way. He remained where he was and continued to shower me with accolades of gratitude as I put distance between us.

A few minutes later, I stopped at an intersection waiting for traffic to ease and he caught up with me and continued with the thanks, etc. I couldn't help but smile at the situation and as I crossed the road, he remained there again continuing "God bless you..."

Well, it gave me a lift for the rest of the afternoon, which got me to thinking: Which one of us got the bigger lift from the transaction?

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