HOW A SUBWAY SANDWICH TAUGHT ME A LESSON IN GIVING (Part 14)

Today, as I parked my car, I noticed a gentleman searching the ground in the parking lot. I am not sure if he was looking for cigarette butts or maybe some dropped change. As I got out of my car I walked up to him and asked him his name and shared mine. He said his name was Gary. He said that is what people called him, but that his real name was Gerald. I asked Gary if he lived on the street? He said he lived a mixture of outside and in hostels. Although he seemed to be wearing warm clothing, his hands were vulnerable to the elements. As I peered at his uncovered hands, I noticed his nails to be black and overgrown and to my sadness, I also noticed that many fingers were blackened and 2 had been amputated. I offered Gary the gloves I was wearing, but he declined saying due to his amputation and other hand issues he could not restrict them in gloves as it would cause further problems and pain. I asked Gary if diabetes was the cause of his amputations, but he said it was from being out in the cold. I gave Gary $20 and he looked at me and said "are you sure?". I replied "you bet I am!". Gary smiled thankfully and went off on his way.

Gary was a fine example of the many thousands of homeless people who are victims of the harsh elements of winter. In fact, Gary shared that he may also lose another finger as well. This truly saddened me as we rely so much on our hands to do basic every day things.

Next time you see someone who is homeless, stop and see how you can help. Everyone has a story and all deserve help when they are down.