Thursday, August 6, I was on my way home from work. I was deciding where I wanted to eat before calling it a night. I went to Bonjangles.
Reminder: NC is still in Phase 2 for COVID-19.
I am waiting in the drive thru line when I see this older gentlemen walking by. I assumed that he was going to ask for money for whatever purpose he had for it. I believe that he went to the car behind to ask them before coming up to my car. The man was around his fifties. He was super skinny that you could the outline of his cheekbone. I also had the hospital identity band around his wrist. I was caught off guard when the man said “I do not want any money. I only want some food.” He continued to explain how he was living at the local homeless shelter with his two kids. I could I not help this man. I asked the man what he would. He asked for me to get two chicken breast with two teas or eight piece tailgate meal. He told me that he preferred the eight piece meal.
I was thinking “I am going to get you want I want to get you.” My conscience told me that it was selfish on me to think this way. I told myself that my conscience was right. And I ended up getting the man what he asked for.
As I pulled up to the window. I saw the man lifting his prayer hands up, thanking God that someone was provided his family a meal. I paid for our meal and drove up to an empty parking space. I took my food out and handed the man the box. He thanked me for my kindness and called me an angel. Then he went on his way to feed his family.
This moment, this man taught me something. As I see people on social media complaining about where a mask or see myself complain about where I wanted to get food. This man showed me that he doesn’t know where his next meal would or how he would provide for his family since he is jobless. On top of that he does not have a place to stay. There are bigger problems in the world and I needed that reality check.
To get to my grandmother’s house, you have go around the medium making a u-turn at the first light. As I was at the second light turn about head towards my grandmother’s house. I could not locate the Bojangles box or the man. Maybe the guy walked extremely fast to feed his family or it was an angel.
Regardless of who this man was, I am grateful for the reminder. Just remember that there are people who do not have a place to call home, struggle to find food to eat and supply the basic necessities for their children.
Piece of advice: be kind to those in need!
