My days ran into each other. It was paradise, to some, but to me it was work and home and work and home. It was a hot afternoon, I was tired – feeling beat up by tourists yelling at me, from constant demands and immediate emergencies, I.e., broken water pipes, flooded bathrooms, late arrivals, lockouts. The small resort I worked at was full of vacationers, and everyone needed me to do something for them. I was drained.
The clock told me I was an hour overdue for a lunch break, my head told me that in its throbbing pain, I had overstepped my blood sugar boundaries. I closed the office service window, locked the door, and climbed into my old SUV. Deciding for something with the least amount of effort, I drove a block away to the drive through lane of a fast-food restaurant. As I waited in line, I looked across the street. There in front of an upscale gym was a young man, sitting on the curb. He looked dejected, homeless, and hungry. Next to him was a shopping cart full of what I perceived to be his entire life’s belongings. He was not filthy but had not had a shower in a few days. When he saw me looking, he averted his eyes in shame.
My heart plummeted. I have my own experience with near eviction and poverty. I felt for him, sitting there – figuring out the next step in probable terror. So, when my turn came and I rolled up to order my lunch, I forgot how tired I was of people asking for something from me. This was not an entitled tourist. I ordered lunch for two. Two burgers with fries, and two large drinks.
I pulled through, paid for it, and parked in front of the restaurant. I jumped out with a bag of his lunch, in my high heels and dress. He stared at me, expecting a lecture or an embarrassment as I walked towards him, dodging traffic. I said, “Hey I want to give you something.” He said “No I’m fine, it’s okay” again not looking me in the face with his shame.
I said, “No but for the grace of higher up, I would be here not you.” I handed him the lunch and he took it. He looked me in the eye, and I said, “Be safe.” He said, “Thank you so much.” I smiled and walked away.
I wanted to cry for him, to find out his story. But I left him with his dignity and did not see him again.
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