Just wanted to add this…
Yesterday afternoon, after the morning’s post, I was leaving a hair salon in Hollywood and waiting for my car at the valet stand. (Yes, my salon has a valet. What can I tell ya? It’s L.A.) Just as my car was brought out, I was approached by a man on the sidewalk and he said he, his wife and son were hungry. I listened to what he said and I told him I’d be happy to buy some groceries for him. He hesitated, and looked at me suspiciously. After a few seconds, he told me his grocery list and said he’d be down at the next corner, by the bus stop. I think he thought I was trying to get rid of him, and didn’t believe I’d actually buy the food. And he certainly couldn’t have thought I’d then drive around looking for him.
Since this wasn’t my ‘hood, I decided to not go searching for a full-on grocery store. I saw a little strip-mall market and pulled into the lot. He was standing on the corner and saw me. He walked over and the first thing he said was, “This place is gonna be expensive. The 99¢ store is way cheaper.” I told him I was aware of that, as I, too, shop at the 99¢ store. But I had to get home and this was convenient. (The 99¢ store was several blocks away.) Then I said, “My name is Mikki” and I held out my hand. He introduced himself as “Edward” and we shook. We went into the store and he asked if he could get some milk and cereal. I said yes. He then asked about bread. Of course. He asked about peanut butter, jelly, cheese and bologna. Yes, yes, yes and yes. When the clerk rang up the purchase and I handed her my credit card, Edward became very upset. It was indeed way more than if I’d gone to the 99¢ store. I signed the store’s receipt, thanked the clerk and walked outside with Edward. At that point, he seemed to be feeling terrible guilt. I told him that this was my choice and my doing. I said that all he had to do was take his food home for his family. I did my best to reassure him. I don’t know if it took or not.
When I pulled out of the parking lot, I saw him waiting for the bus. We waved to each other and that was that. In all likelihood, I will never see Edward again.
Like I wrote yesterday, I don’t usually give cash to people on the street. And yes, that afternoon’s purchase was too expensive. (Edward and I both knew that.) But whereas I can eat a few extra meals at home to make up for the money I spent yesterday, Edward is grateful just to have a PBJ. I am blessed, folks. I have food. I have shelter and I have clean clothes to keep me warm. And tonight, when I make a comforting dinner of black-eyed peas, braised cabbage, biscuits and tomato & cucumber salad, I hope I remember to thank my lucky stars. I also hope I remember to say a prayer for Edward. Something tells me I won’t forget.