Uncle...

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I have known this man on the street for about ten years. Everytime I see him, I try to give him some money depending upon how much I have on me at the time. I used to see him walking on the sidewalk and then, being in the far lane, I would drive around the block to come back close to him to give him money from the car. Sometimes he would disappear by the time I made it back around through traffic. He used to just have a small bag for years. Now he has a full shopping cart like many others.

One time, a couple of years ago, he had a really nasty looking gash on his arm and it was all red and swollen. I was seriously worried about infection killing him. I called all around but all the social service agencies and police said that unless he posed a danger to himself or others, he couldn't be forced to undergo any type of intervention or treatment. I watched him and his arm for about a week and then one day, it was all bandaged up. I guess a mobile social service agency attended to him. I was relieved.

He is really polite and always appreciatively says "thank you" no matter how little I may end up giving him. I have kind of adopted him even though I don't know his name. He is kind of shy. I give what I can when I can. No questions. No strings. No prying. It makes me happy to relieve a little of his hardship. I am sure others help him too in similar ways. He reminds me of how truly fortunate and blessed I am. To never take for granted all the blessings I have in this life. Even my boys will yell out, "There is Uncle" when they see him in the car. They enjoy giving him money too. We have a little bond. I love him. I think he loves me. We will continue our friendship until either one of us passes from this existence. Then when the other one passes. We will resume our friendship. And I will apologize to him and his ancestors. For not doing more while I had the chance...

Comments

Lance M. Foster said…
I remember him lots of times too...glad to hear he is still here...and he looks pretty dapper too. He reminds me of my uncle up here on the reservation.
October 7, 2008 at 3:40 PM
Ka`iana said…
He rolls up his pant's leg because they are too long and tucks his shirt into his pants and wears a belt. Basic human dignity and taking pride in his appearance when he has no possessions the world usually covets. Such a hard life. Such a pervasive surviving spirit. We should all be so lucky...
October 7, 2008 at 5:57 PM
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