I don't know if you have the same experience as I have had this week.  Actually, it has gone on for months.  I have my inbox filled with requests from familiar organizations Carol has made checks out to and many new ones I never knew existed.  It seems as though the word has gone forth that Schectman is the savior of people in trouble.

For the first time since coming down here to Florida I have come face to face with a beggar.  We see them and are importuned by them on street corners all the time.  Some have a sort of uniform on and hold up signs of an organized sort and come around to your car parked at a light.  Some just look hopeless and hold a sign saying "Will Work for Food".  These are the most difficult to avoid SEEING and you harden your heart and look straight ahead while some arms come out of car windows and give the poor person something.  I don't know how to deal with them except to keep my windows closed and avert my eyes.

This week we were in a car lot of the Flashback Restaurant getting in after a light meal there.  I was loading the car with my bag, canes and sweater when this woman appeared and told me a story much like those we have heard one time or another.  She had no money for rent, food or for her children at home.  She was ashamed to be asking for something, anything.  I do not carry money in my pocket and turned to Carol who was settling herself in the front passenger's seat and told her of this woman's request.  Carol was flustered but she put her things downs and reached into her bag and took out a five dollar bill.  She handed it to me and I turned and handed to the woman.  She thanked me and blessed me and I turned to Carol to tell her thanks for being on the spot with her help.  When I turned back to say goodbye and good luck to the woman she had vanished and I could not see her disappearing behind the other cars.  She just disappeared.

This is a both a sad and a hopeful thing.  It is sad to go to strangers and beg.  It is good thing to make an instant decision and find something to give that may help the person who is in such straits.  I can remember a time when I was young and had no money stranded near the bus that would take me home.  I approached someone with the tale of woe that all I needed was the bus fare.  I think I got it and got home safely.

This sad story is a true one of people with enough being surrounded with people with too little.  The two of us are lucky ones and have reached a stage in life where we may be better off than most although the little we have seems to disappear each day.  I have no answers except to try to get through each day doing no harm to others and maybe have a little left over to help someone in greater need.