Be the One — Crying in the Parking Lot

I don’t usually share these stories; most are just that stories. Today I feel like I should share, so give me grace.

Once upon a time a long time ago and far, far away this was me. Single mom, 3 kids working 2-3 jobs and crying in the parking lot. Through those really hard years not one single person noticed or offered to help, except one. I had an injury and could not work for 3 months, lost everything I had including my home. Basically homeless in 3 days. One lady out of the blue asked if I needed help and I did. She offered a place to live for a year for whatever I had left over each month. She saved me. She had no idea how close I was, but she saved me. Just one person. I made it out and made a promise that someday I would that ONE person.

Yesterday I stopped to check on a homeless man and once again was reminded of THE One. Someone had gifted him a $100 dollars. I commented on how he looked different. He grinned and told me about getting some gas and a biscuit, a large cup of coffee and a razor. He said he had taken the day off (panhandling) because he had funds for a few days. He wasn’t buying booze or drugs. He was cooking a meal, jamming to some music, charging up his old computer, cleaning out his old broken-down vehicle. Normal things we all do from time to time. He was happy, taking a break from struggle.

If you get the opportunity… BE THE ONE! You just might be the only one.

Love, Pam