This may not be my typical brownie blog, but I felt compelled to share my thoughts. These experiences resonate with me on a profound level, as I've relied on food stamps, Medicaid, and faced homelessness. Being on the receiving end of these challenges is truly humbling.
Coincidentally, this same time last year almost to this day, remarkably, I experienced a nearly identical situation. I genuinely believe this is a message from the universe, I felt compelled to share it with you.
Last year, while I was in CVS, a man with an enormous bag of prescriptions attempted to buy paper towels and Tylenol, but his card was repeatedly rejected, causing visible distress. As he asked the cashier to void the transaction, the cashier responded with an attitude. Heartbroken, I watched him leave the store with his head down, feeling a deep sense of empathy for this stranger. I stepped outside and gave him the last $20 I had so he could go back in and buy what he needed. He couldn’t stop expressing his gratitude. That exchange was priceless.
Just the other day, after returning from my medical procedure, I went to the same CVS to get my prescription. As I approached the entrance, I noticed a very elderly man, nearly 80 years old, sitting on the sidewalk in 20-degree weather. He was shivering, holding a sign that read, "Anything would help."
When I saw this man, it didn't matter how he found himself in such a predicament; what struck me the hardest was the number of people passing by, treating him as if he were invisible. I couldn't help but ponder the reality that he might be someone's father, grandfather, brother, or uncle. There he was all alone in the cold.
In that moment, I was reminded of Phil Collins' poignant song, "Another Day in Paradise." It's heartbreaking to recognize that the haunting lyrics have unfortunately become a reality for countless individuals. Each line resonated in my mind, highlighting the pressing need for compassion in a world that often chooses to ignore suffering. It struck me how easily we can become desensitized, passing by those in need without a second glance.
My heart broke.
I approached the man and handed him the last dollar I had in my wallet, inquiring if he was hungry. He asked for a bag of pretzels. Melanie and I went inside and decided to fill a bag to the top with everything I could find for him: Pretzels, protein bars, trail mix, dried fruit, peanut butter crackers, water, and more. The moment we handed him the bag, I saw a smile ignited in his eyes, radiating deep within his soul. A sparkle filled his gaze as he expressed his gratitude. He blessed me . He then sat back down and eagerly tore into the bag as if he hadn’t eaten in days.
As I walked back to my car, tears started to stream down my face when I realized that I needed to do something more to warm his soul. I drove over to the coffee shop and purchased a large, comforting cup of hot cocoa for him. I prayed he would still be there when I got back. To my relief, he was, his eyes glistening with tears and his hands trembling as I handed him the warm cup.
The emotions reflected in his eyes were truly extraordinary. This man exuded a sense of gratitude and appreciation for a humble cup of hot cocoa. This simple act brightened his day, instilling in him feelings of hope, humanity, and compassion.
However, in that moment, standing in the day's chill, I came to appreciate the impact of small acts of kindness. How it creates a ripple effect, influencing not just the recipient, but also the giver, and those who are there to witness the gesture. This encounter reinforced my belief in the vital importance of recognizing and honoring the humanity in everyone. It served as a reminder that empathy is a gift we all have the ability to share.
I'm not sharing this story for the sake of recognition; instead, I aim to inspire and motivate each of you to cultivate kindness, compassion, and empathy.
I encourage you to embody love by becoming love itself.
Even a simple gesture, like a smile, has the power to transform someone's day. The monetary value of what I offered is insignificant compared to the warmth of human connection, empathy, and love shared with a stranger. In that moment, I was able to convey a message of hope through a small but impactful act, creating a positive change in the world.
Let’s come together to spread love and kindness, one action at a time.
I will leave you with the lyrics to, “ Another Day in Paradise.”-Phil Collins.
She calls out to the man on the street
"Sir, can you help me?
It's cold and I've nowhere to sleep
Is there somewhere you can tell me?"
He walks on, doesn't look back
He pretends he can't hear her
Starts to whistle as he crosses the street
Seems embarrassed to be there
Oh think twice
'Cause it's another day for you and me in paradise
Oh think twice
'Cause it's another day for you, you and me in paradise
Think about it
She calls out to the man on the street
He can see she's been crying
She's got blisters on the soles of her feet
She can't walk but she's trying
Oh think twice
'Cause it's another day for you and me in paradise
Oh think twice
It's just another day for you, you and me in paradise
Just think about it
Oh, Lord, is there nothing more anybody can do?
Oh, my Lord, there must be something you can say
You can tell from the lines on her face
You can see that she's been there
Probably been moved on from every place
'Cause she didn't fit in there
Oh think twice
'Cause it's another day for you and me in paradise
Oh think twice
It's just another day for you, you and me in paradise
Just think about it
Just think about it
It's just another day for you and me in paradise
It's just another day for you and me in paradise
It's just another day for you and me in paradise
Just think about it
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