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Nick
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Nick |
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Copperbell Senior Member
since 2003-11-08
Posts 956 |
His name is Nick. I told him my name as I shook his hand. I saw moisture in his eyes when I was talking to him. I don’t know if it was tears – maybe it was the cold air - but I wondered. I know he sat there all day asking for spare change. He told me his confidence was shattered from people ignoring him – he hated doing this. He told me he was starving – he was holding out to be able to get a place to sleep that night – and something about not wanting to break the law. I didn’t have any change. But I bought some bananas and chocolates for the trick or treaters coming the following night. Did he want a banana? Definitely. Nick thanked me for the banana. I smiled and said at least it isn’t too cold. But he was cold from sitting out so long and staying out overnight. He had a job tomorrow – it didn’t pay much but someone gave him a chance. Someone hired him. He hoped they would give him an advance so he could get on his feet a bit. He beard was curly and cute. But he wanted to get cleaned up before tomorrow – before he started his new job. His eyes clear and steady as we talked. He twisted his second banana around in his fingers like he was in a pistol match as he talked to me and ate it. He had stayed in his van until he got into an accident and had to sell it to the auto wreckers for some cash. Nick mentioned his faith – I wondered was he Christian. I didn’t want to tell him my beliefs because too often it’s the string attached to giving some change to a stranger. I remembered that though I didn’t have change I had a five dollar bill. I gave it to him, embarrassed that I wasn’t inviting him to my home for a meal and a warm bed. He thanked me over and over. The most anyone had gave was three dollars – and he almost had enough to get a room. He talked softly to my daughter and I didn’t want to leave – I could have visited for an hour. Maybe it was the beauty of his face, his youth, and his big dirty hands held out receiving Halloween candy from my shopping bag. And his gentle voice thanking me and saying “that’s enough, leave some for the kids”. I couldn’t figure out what made me think of him so long that evening. But I loved him – really – in that moment. And I was ashamed to not do more. Even though I see his strength and dignity in the way he conducted himself. Nick you’ve got yourself a friend. Even if I never see you again. |
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Trillium 
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
Copperbell: This is a very touching story! You will probably always wonder what became of Nick and if he managed to get his feet on the ground. There are too many people like this in the world and help seems to be extremely limited for them. It's people like you who give them hope!! Betty Lou |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Copperbell, How kind of you. Sometimes it's frustrating what we can't do. But then you might be amazed at what happens from the little you do. If you find time to read this you'll see what I mean: Taco Bell Coffee If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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Copperbell Senior Member
since 2003-11-08
Posts 956 |
Thank you for reading Trillium and Larry.  I consider it to be a priviledge to have met him - it is easy to ignore people and I usually do. Its only becuase he revealed some of himself that I felt compassionate. I'm so thankful that I stopped and met him. Sort of makes me want to do more for people having met him. |
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