This fifth day of December was awash with rain here in Kentucky, but it definitely couldn’t dampen the holiday spirits of many of the guests at the day shelter for homeless men where I work. Once again, I was honored and humbled to witness an abundance of kindness on display today, but there was one incident in particular that truly touched my heart. This one small act of kindness embodied the spirit of giving that sometimes is sorely lacking in our world, and it reminded me that we all have the ability to give to others, if only we take the opportunity to do so.
Every Friday, a man known as the “Chicken Man”, for the chicken sandwiches and chicken wings he sometimes delivers, comes to the day shelter with an assortment of goodies, such as sandwiches, baked goods, salads, etc., from local eateries, and he hands them out to the appreciative guests. As I assisted with the distribution of food this afternoon, a young man thanked the Chicken Man for the sandwich, and the next person in line approached him and requested a sandwich, as well. The Chicken Man apologized and explained that he had just given the previous man the last sandwich and offered him a choice of baked goods instead. It turns out that there was a sandwich for this older gentleman after all, though.
Apparently, the young man who had received the last sandwich overheard the exchange between the Chicken Man and the older gentleman, and he approached the gentleman and held out the sandwich saying, “Here, buddy, you take it.” The older gentleman looked a bit surprised and slowly shook his head, as he said, “Oh no, you eat that up”, but the young man persisted. He said, “No, seriously, you take this, and I will grab something else. I want you to have it.” As he gently handed the man the sandwich, the older gentleman’s face lit up, and he said, “Thanks, man; that is the nicest thing anyone has done for me in a while”, and he walked back to the table to enjoy this unexpected treat.
As the young man started to walk away, I stopped him and thanked him for being so kind. His face broke out in a huge grin, and he said, “It’s no problem. It felt good to make him happy.” To watch someone who is in need himself share what was given to him was so simplistically beautiful in so many ways, and that sandwich was more than just food. It represented kindness, caring, and generosity, and it was further proof that our guests are the finest gentlemen in all of Louisville. What did you do to make someone happy today?
I try to do something that will help someone, or show genuine kindness daily,
Tuesday, on my way to the store, there was a homeless man, with his dog, on the side of the road holding a sign asking for food.
Being disabled, I don’t drive much anymore, only to the grocery store and back, but I knew I had to help. I turned around and came back home. I made him 2 sandwiches, and packed bags of chips and nuts in a bag. Then I went to the grocery store and bought his poor, skinny dog a bag of dog food. I then went to the subway, by the grocery store, and bought a 20.00 gift certificate.
When I stopped and gave everything to him, he cried. I told him about the homeless shelters downtown, and that our local charter service would take him there.
I wish I could have done more.
Baby steps. If we would all just help out a little?
As someone who works with men who are homeless, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for this extraordinary act of kindness and for sharing such a beautiful story! You did so very much for this man and his dog, and it surely made a positive difference. Thank you so much, and I hope that you have inspired others to help those in need!
This week I published one of my quotes: “The power of love lies in what we do for others, not in what we expect others to do for us.” It is the most uplifting and fullfilling power to give, to make someone smile, to helps spontaneously. Wonderful post! Thank you!
I love the stories about the incredible gentlemen at the day shelter…what an honor it must be to be with them every day. I need to make a visit soon. I remember meeting a lot of your guests when I was there with the Coalition For The Homeless and I remember how much they made me smile and sometimes tear up by their actions.
Kindness Blog 
Reblogged this on That's Another Story.
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I try to do something that will help someone, or show genuine kindness daily,
Tuesday, on my way to the store, there was a homeless man, with his dog, on the side of the road holding a sign asking for food.
Being disabled, I don’t drive much anymore, only to the grocery store and back, but I knew I had to help. I turned around and came back home. I made him 2 sandwiches, and packed bags of chips and nuts in a bag. Then I went to the grocery store and bought his poor, skinny dog a bag of dog food. I then went to the subway, by the grocery store, and bought a 20.00 gift certificate.
When I stopped and gave everything to him, he cried. I told him about the homeless shelters downtown, and that our local charter service would take him there.
I wish I could have done more.
Baby steps. If we would all just help out a little?
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As someone who works with men who are homeless, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for this extraordinary act of kindness and for sharing such a beautiful story! You did so very much for this man and his dog, and it surely made a positive difference. Thank you so much, and I hope that you have inspired others to help those in need!
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Simply 🙂
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Thank you:)
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This week I published one of my quotes: “The power of love lies in what we do for others, not in what we expect others to do for us.” It is the most uplifting and fullfilling power to give, to make someone smile, to helps spontaneously. Wonderful post! Thank you!
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What a wonderful quote! Thank you for sharing it, and thank you for your most kind words. You began my day with a smile!
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To know that already made my day… 😉
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Kristi, I ,love this story. Thanks for sharing it, BTG
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So glad you did, and you are welcome!
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Beautiful story. We can learn a lot from these people who have nothing but give what they have. 😀
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Thank you so much! The men are truly among the greatest teachers I ever have had, and I am so grateful to them and for them.
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I love the stories about the incredible gentlemen at the day shelter…what an honor it must be to be with them every day. I need to make a visit soon. I remember meeting a lot of your guests when I was there with the Coalition For The Homeless and I remember how much they made me smile and sometimes tear up by their actions.
LikeLiked by 1 person