On a recent cool, windy Friday morning, an elderly homeless man walked through our doors, asking for help. He had wandered the streets the night before and was desperate for help. He stated that because of his advanced age, he was taken advantage of by younger homeless men at a local shelter. He had nowhere to go.
While hearing his story from one of our staff members, I observed him eating some food we had given him in our front lobby. It was then that I introduced myself. He reiterated the story I had heard from our receptionist. At 75 years of age, I wondered if he had any children with whom he could stay. As it turned out, he had a daughter living in a small town in Kansas. He was confident he could stay with her. After calling the local bus station, I learned he could be with his daughter the next afternoon. He was elated when he learned we were willing to purchase a ticket for him to see his daughter. The relief on his wrinkled, gnarled face was noticeable. Because the bus left later that night, he spent the afternoon sleeping in our lobby and praying in our chapel.
On the way to the bus station, we stopped at a fast food restaurant and ordered a cheeseburger, fries, and large drink to go. He chose the cheeseburger that looked like a triple-decker bus but, after learning how much it cost, he changed his mind to a single-decker. After saying, “It’s OK,” that smile broke out once again. After arriving at the bus station, he was forced to jettison 5 pounds of stale pastries and odiferous salads from his overweight suitcase - not surprising for someone on the street. After a prayer and blessing, he expressed his appreciation with a look of relief on his face, for he would not have to wander the streets that night.
I am most appreciative to God that He has inspired our donors to be generous so we can help the countless needy individuals and families who come to our doors in crisis. Please always remember that we at Catholic Social Services will keep you, your family and intentions in our prayers!
Stay tuned to the next Seedlings for the rest of the story of my experience with this elderly man.
