Feeding the Multitudes?

Disclaimer: I make no claims to sainthood.  I’m not ‘better’ than anyone else.

It was a cold, late, December evening, shortly after Christmas.  I was driving my granddaughter Vivian home.  It was a special treat for her –- and me.

We sat at a stoplight.  I saw someone pushing a shopping cart along the street, across the intersection.  A homeless person, no doubt hungry.  I cautiously alerted Vivian that I was going to be rolling down the window to give that poor soul a bag of food.  I didn’t want Vivian to become alarmed, which she is often prone to do when confronted by an unexpected situation and strangers.

“Grandma does that!,” she exclaimed.  No alarm whatsoever.  It warmed my  heart to hear her say so.  (There are tears in my eyes right now as I recollect that incident.  Tears of joy.)

I had begun the practice a year or two ago.  Carrying several lunch bags of inexpensive, nonperishable foods in my truck at all times.  I rarely give money to people living on the streets, because I know they’ll often use it for alcohol.  (They’ve admitted that to me on many occasions.)  But I have no reservations about giving food to anyone ‘panhandling’ on the roadsides.  On only one occasion have I heard anything but extreme gratitude.

Over time, Jill adopted the practice.  “Grandma does that!”  I prepare those lunch bags for Jill’s vehicle, and she dispenses them freely.

And eventually, two people dear to my heart have adopted their own practice of feeding people in need, too.  My sister-in-law Susan Kessler.  And my hair stylist, Connie Palmer.  Each in their own way.  It warms my heart to know of their generosity.  Thank you.


Copyright © 2019-02-24, Mike Kruchoski, All Rights Reserved.