Photo courtesy of Google Images
January Soup Run
From his seated position he politely declined the offer of a new fleece blanket. There were two folds of cardboard under him and he was wearing a hooded quilted coat. The sandwiches and soup were gratefully received. A few words were exchanged and then we were off. He waved to us and smiled in much the same way as one would wave family off after a visit.
I was beginning to learn now what Charlie meant when he said the homeless have their own integrity. He could have taken the blanket, he could have sold it or left it in a soggy heap the next morning but he was happier with less. We felt humbled by his gentle nature, his contentedness, and his warm goodbyes.
