Recently, the executive director at the day shelter for homeless men where I work posted the following story on the shelter’s Facebook page:
“Chris is small in stature, but he’s scrappy. He “sleeps out” rather than staying in overnight shelters. He keeps to himself.
Kenneth is elderly and frail, functionally blind….and chatty. He prefers the safety of a shelter bed but can’t always get one.
Very early Saturday morning, Kenneth walked into the day shelter with Chris’ help. They hadn’t met before, but Kenneth was trying to navigate his way here, when Chris asked if he needed help. “I’m headed there, too. I’ll help you.”
When donuts arrived, Chris offered to go through the line and get one for Kenneth, along with coffee. He helped him get to and from the men’s room and generally offered his assistance all day.
I told Chris how much I appreciated his help with Kenneth, knowing he was out of his comfort zone. He shrugged his shoulders and said, “Of course you’re gonna help out a brother. It’s what you do.”
Knowing about the trauma the men have experienced would make the rough exterior they sometimes present quite understandable, but instead we often witness these kinds of expressions of kindness. I’m convinced that these are powerful healing actions that mend the frayed tapestry of our human community.
To Chris, it’s just what you do.”
I have known Chris for awhile and only recently met Kenneth when he came to the day shelter afterhours needing assistance getting back to one of the local hospitals. When I heard the above story, I was not surprised that Chris came to Kenneth’s assistance that day, and not long after this incident, I had the opportunity to talk with Chris about it.
Chris was humble when I thanked and praised him for helping Kenneth, and he said, “I can’t imagine how he gets around on the streets being blind and all. Somebody had to help him.” I shared his amazement, as it is difficult enough managing all of the physical and emotional challenges and obstacles found out on the streets without being blind. What is even more amazing is that the day I met Kenneth, he had made his way to the day shelter’s front doors unassisted, even though his route took him down sidewalks and streets hustling and bustling with people. Many people looked at Kenneth, dressed in hospital scrubs and a coat and carrying his belongings in a clear plastic bag, struggle to find his way, but no-one saw him. They looked away, but Chris didn’t.
Not only did Chris see Kenneth, he helped him. In a world that often looks down on Chris and Kenneth based on their living status and outward appearance, Chris demonstrated that everyone has the ability to help someone else in need, even when you are in need yourself. Chris may not have a home at the moment, but he has a heart of gold. That is truly priceless.
I am so glad that you feel the same way, as I could not agree with you more. These men are among my greatest teachers, and I tell them daily that they are among the finest gentlemen in all of Louisville. This is just one of the many examples that prove it!
It means a lot to me that both this story and the quote resonated with you, and I appreciate your support and interest greatly! In a sea of what seems like never-ending bad news, it is nice to be able to share some good news.
Many thanks. Bad news has a larger echo, so we need to spread as much good news as we can. It is out there, but doing the right thing day in day out, is less newsworthy.
Our instincts are to care for and take care of those around us. It’s our world that has squelched this instinct and it leaves us all wanting, feeling off kilter, and depressed. When we act on our instincts, we find wholeness in ourselves. What’s “meant to be.” I love Chris, he’s brave enough to follow his instincts. Thanks for sharing his story.
So very eloquent and true! Thank you very much for sharing your beautiful insights and for seeing Chris for the brave and wonderful soul he truly is. These men teach me every day the real meaning of what it is to be compassionate and unselfish, and it is my honor to share some of their stories here.
Very much enjoyed reading this post. It again proves that as humans, we can still be kind to a complete stranger when we see help is needed, no matter outward appearances.
Many thanks for reading this and for sharing your positive words! I am so glad that you enjoyed it and that the message resonated with you. I hope that we can all do at least one thing each day to extend kindness to friends, families, and strangers alike.
Kindness Blog 
Reblogged this on That's Another Story.
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What an outstanding uplifting post!
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Thank you very much, and I am happy that you enjoyed it!
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Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
Reblog “It Is What It is” …. kindness!!
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Many thanks for reblogging this post; it means a lot to be able to share this story!
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You are very welcome! This is the type of story that uplofts the spirit! Thank YOU for sharing!
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I am so glad that you feel the same way, as I could not agree with you more. These men are among my greatest teachers, and I tell them daily that they are among the finest gentlemen in all of Louisville. This is just one of the many examples that prove it!
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Reblogged this on HelpingOthersHelpThemselves.
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Thank you so much for sharing this story with others; it is greatly appreciated!
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My Pleasure! Thank you!
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beautiful story; thanks for reminding us how easy it is to be kind to a stranger…z
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Thank you for your kind words! Chris definitely is a wonderful role model for all of us.
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Kristi Jo, I love this story. I also love Mark Twain’s quote. BTG
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It means a lot to me that both this story and the quote resonated with you, and I appreciate your support and interest greatly! In a sea of what seems like never-ending bad news, it is nice to be able to share some good news.
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Many thanks. Bad news has a larger echo, so we need to spread as much good news as we can. It is out there, but doing the right thing day in day out, is less newsworthy.
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You are so welcome, and thank you for your part in cultivating and sharing kindness. We can make a positive difference!
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Our instincts are to care for and take care of those around us. It’s our world that has squelched this instinct and it leaves us all wanting, feeling off kilter, and depressed. When we act on our instincts, we find wholeness in ourselves. What’s “meant to be.” I love Chris, he’s brave enough to follow his instincts. Thanks for sharing his story.
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So very eloquent and true! Thank you very much for sharing your beautiful insights and for seeing Chris for the brave and wonderful soul he truly is. These men teach me every day the real meaning of what it is to be compassionate and unselfish, and it is my honor to share some of their stories here.
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Very much enjoyed reading this post. It again proves that as humans, we can still be kind to a complete stranger when we see help is needed, no matter outward appearances.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks for reading this and for sharing your positive words! I am so glad that you enjoyed it and that the message resonated with you. I hope that we can all do at least one thing each day to extend kindness to friends, families, and strangers alike.
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