“I always choose to make it a good day.”
What about you?
“GOOD MORNING,” the rough, handmade sign said simply.
I was pulling into a grocery store parking lot the other morning, and a fellow was standing by the driveway in the bright morning sun, smiling and holding up the sign.
I smiled at him as I pulled in, parked, and felt an urge to see if he wanted anything from the store.
I walked over and said hi.
His soiled clothes hung loosely from his frame, his face looked dry and weathered. But he greeted me with a cheerful hello.
I wish I’d had more of a conversation with him — asked him how he was and found out more about him, at least his name. But I felt in a hurry to get my errand done and get home to work.
I said I didn’t have any cash on me (which was true) but would he like anything?
He said, “Oh know that’s okay you don’t have to do anything.”
“I know I don’t have to, but I’m happy to.”
“Well, I’ve got a burrito to eat later.” He pointed to a small package on the ground in front of him.
“So, you don’t need anything?”
“Well you know I am homeless,” he acknowledged, “But really you coming over and engaging with me means more…