#SUBWAY -HOW A SUBWAY SANDWICH TAUGHT ME A LESSON IN GIVING- A GIRL NAMED "SHELL" (PART 15)

Today, I found myself at my favorite health food store. The same place I met Franco from the first part of this article series. To the right of the storefront door I noticed a young twenty something sitting on the ground cross legged. As I sat in my car, I noticed a woman leaving the health food store walked over to her and gave her something she had purchased inside and they exchanged some quick phrases and the lady went on her way. As I left the observation of my car, I started to walk towards the health food store door, until, I heard her ask if I could spare some change. I walked over and asked her her name and she said "Shell" I said" like a seashell?" She said "yes" and smiled. I said "well that is a unique and lovely name"and smiled back at her. I asked her if she was living on the streets? She said she had been but is now staying with a friend but is struggling. I asked if she had connected with any social service organizations for help. She said she did and was awaiting her intake appointment. I then asked her if she had eaten today? She said she had and also had some food in her bag, a muffin she stated . I assume the muffin was from the lady that I had observed earlier interact with her. Since I was next to Subway subs, I asked her if she would like a sub? She paused for a few moments and said "Thank you but I better not, I am waiting for someone". She looked at me shyly and said she could use some milk and some butter. I told her I would be more than happy to get that for her. So I walked to the store grabbed the items and went back to present it to her. I wished her all the best and I left. As I drove away, I noticed another young girl carrying a panhandler cardboard sign and she happen to be walking in the same direction as Shell was. I wondered if this was the friend she was waiting for? Shell looked very rough and disheveled. Her boots were not tied up and her clothes were well worn. I noticed her teeth had issues as well which could be in part due to lack of dental care or I mostly suspected she was regularly using crystal meth which often makes teeth rot out. If my hunch was right, the other girl I saw walking might have also been panhandling for some cash or food also in a separate location. It is very common for groups to work together and then share the earnings afterwards. The sad part of today was that I am seeing younger girls on the streets, more so than before. Many of these young girls are in active addiction looking for their next fix and in the process are vulnerable to predators. I do hope Shell will be ok and if she is an addict that she will overcome it. She has her whole life ahead of her. So very sad. Being around the same age as my own daughter this encounter truly affected me.

The reason I wrote this series and continue to write it, is because I hope to inspire others to assist people in need not for any self gratification. I give to just give. Give to my fellow human wishing nothing in return. I hope to help people move beyond the labels that are often given to the homeless like "druggies" "addicts" and to start to see them as humans with real names and feelings.

The fact is with so many natural disasters on the planet we may also someday find ourselves destitute on the streets. Would you not appreciate the comfort of assistance or support? Even just treating them with kindness and dignity is enough. A simple smile also goes a long way.

I encourage all of you to remember "we are all ONE".