25 Comments

So rich and telling. I met a homeless guy, on the then frozen streets of Birmingham, Alabama as I walked to school - forty plus years ago. The fifty-ish year old "Ford," was a man of few words also. I offered, and he declined. Over three visits I managed to buy him coffee and once even breakfast. He wanted nothing else. I just wanted to better understand where he was coming from. You just helped with that- Thanks James

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Hello, Mark! Thank you, and, you are welcome! I think that I, too, wanted to understand, or get an idea of what brought him to his current state. It might just overwhelm them to even talk about it. You got further along with "Ford" than I did with "William". If we could know what makes them click, we might better know what makes us click. Or perhaps, how close we might have come to being in his place. I think I came close. Thanks again.

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Greetings James, You bring up some good points including regrets and sorrow and I would add shame- all potential factors. Lack of trust, thoughts of -"what the hell does this guy know about a tough life. AND the always present fear of being judged. Who knows?

I had a post on a homeless Vet I got to talk to - https://markvanlaeys.substack.com/p/vet-stranded-broke-and-hungry and it's another perspective on such a bad pervasive problem - where many bad breaks can overlap. The most poignant part of your comment was in reference to - "There but for the grace of God go I," I also was close at one point for half a year but it was because of no desire to go back to my family home due to too much violence, alcohol and drugs - at various times. The tranquility of the highway was more appealing.

I look forward to reading some more of your posts - thank you for subscribing.

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Thank you, Mark! I hope you have made peace with your family. Likewise on reading your posts!

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At least in part, thanks though.

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Thanks for sharing this. There can never be enough compassion in this world.

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Thank you , Alexander! I appreciate it.

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I live right in the city and rarely encounter homeless people. I know in some cities there are many, but not so much here. But your stories make me wonder about their stories. If I get the chance, I will stop and ask.

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Many are ill and drugged, but many are just in an ugly situation. Constant reminders of how life can turn.

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I remember your first piece about William. This is a very moving encounter, James. Not too many people would go out of their way to check in on him, but it makes me happy to know you, and to know that you did. And I’m sure he appreciated it more than you know.

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Justin, that is very nice of you to say! I'm familiar with a few of the area homeless enough to say hello. William stuck me as different. I hope he remembers. Thank you very much.

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That is an interesting encounter and story. It would be difficult needing to receive, feeling limited to repay. I've done day camping in my pickup at parks when I worked the night shift. It's hard to find places to feel safe and not be chased along. We don't have many great solutions to this. I know William appreciated you, James Ron.

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Hi, Ron! Thank you. I think there are others who William would appreciate, too, and it has to difficult as you say. I don't think there is a right out solution. It is something that society grew into, and will have to grow out of as well. Day camping while working night shift?? That is tough.

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It actually eased the work schedule. I had a long commute to Baltimore and was easier to stay over than make the trip. Perhaps the solutions we may grow into. Always enjoy the read, James!

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A beautiful story, beautifully written. I got chatting to a hobo once, outside the library I went to in order to study. We had a brilliant discussion: he was clearly an educated man. After half an hour I said I'm sorry but I have to get back to my studies. He looked really disappointed. I never saw him again.

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Sometimes, unfortunately all we get is one shot. I'm glad you took yours. There will be others, but they're guaranteed to be different.

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i agree, Mark. Thanks for commenting

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You're welcome Terry.

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Hi, Terry! Thank you very much! That's neat what happened with you and the hobo. Perhaps barriers broken, or slipped through. Somehow you and he connected an talk was easy. I bet he was hungry for conversation.

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Thanks, James. Yes, I'm sure you're right. I could see that at the time, but was too concerned about getting my grades to change my priorities for a couple of hours. I like to think I have a bit more awareness/compassion these days.

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You are a good man, James. You can only do so much for someone like poor William but I'm sure he appreciates your kindness more than he is able to convey.

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and without the guilt associated with not being able to repay.

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Thank you, Jim! Willam has kindness coming from others as well. You are right about only being able to do so much. He is just "very far away."

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Thank you, James Ron, for sharing this new account of William. Your first story about him told me so much about you and and your concern for your fellow man. William may never be able to show gratitude for many reasons, he may never truly communicate with you, but your quiet kindness and gift of food are welcome, I am sure.

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You are very nice, Sharron! Thank you! There is concern, but William struck me as different. I know I was curious. You know they have a story and just wonder what it is.

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