I was about 23.
It was a cold night. Below zero. The homeless shelter I worked at was over capacity, we couldn’t accept any more people.
My heart ached. What a failed system. How was this helping?
He was disheveled. Intoxicated. He had a smile I’ll never forget. I had to tell him we were over capacity. I scolded him for not coming in sooner. I offered to get him a cab to somewhere. There was nowhere, really, he told me. He had been kicked out of the other shelter, he didn’t have anywhere.
I took two of our dismal grey blankets. He wrapped them around himself and went to sit on the bench outside. After several minutes, I bundled myself up.
I went outside. And I sat while he slept.
I checked his breathing all night and woke him every hour to come inside and warm up.
That one night? He never forgot. He would thank me everytime he saw me while I was at work, or around town. He came in early every night the rest of the winter, to make sure he had a spot. The city opened an overflow shelter so we didn’t have to turn people away.
I never forgot that night either, and whenever I’m stuck on a selfish feeling I remember it. I snuggle in closer to my husband and remember that one night.
Popped in from SITS! What a beautiful tale.
Jenn what an absolutely moving story. We all need to be grateful for the smallest of blessings. Thanks for stopping by on my SITS day and I pray that on your IF journey you find the answers you seek the peace you need and God's will is done.
What a powerful memory the both of you have. It's an amazing thing when we touch others lives in such a fierce way. Your words pulled me in and helped me feel it too.
When we lived in Old Orchard Beach, there was a homeless man that had nowhere else to go..he would sleep on the beach…my mom called the police on the really cold nights to do wellness checks on him and we would bring him soup and coffee…sometimes sadly thats all you can do…we do not do enough IMO for our homeless..this guy was a vet that instead of using what little money he had on himself…he sent every penny to his young children..how do you chose? a warm bed…safety…or your kids…I can't imagine what life was like for him but it made me appreciate what I had.
One day he disappeared. I like to think someone gave him a place to stay and helped him get on his feet..but honestly..I have no idea
This was a great read. I not only loved the story it told, but how it was told. Thanks.
My sister works at a homeless shelter in Boston, so this really hit home. We need more of you in this world!
Beautiful post, thank you for writing it!
This is a wonderful story. It warms my heart that there are people like you in the world. Thank you.
Thank you everyone for your kind words. I so appreciate them!!!!
This is a pretty amazing story. I'd call this one of those defining moments right?
This is beautiful. Thanks for sharing. Makes me so grateful for what I have!
Thanks for sharing this story. beautifully written.
love this!
You, my friend, are awesome.