As my time in Kansas City nears its end, at least for this year, I have time to reflect on and share some experiences the universe has offered me. I generally don't carry much cash, but I did bring $50, in hopes of offering gifts to those I felt deserving, as if that is a role I should play. On the second day I was going to eat dinner at Cafe Gratitude and a homeless couple approached me asking for money; they wanted to get a pace to stay. My first thought was a judgment...you're going to go buy some alcohol, I know it! But, I wanted to redeem myself of that negative thought, so I took out my wallet and the first bill I saw was a $20, so I offered it to them both, or so that was my intention. I put my wallet away and went to go on my way but the man stopped me and asked if I had anything for him, as they each wanted to get a room. I started to make excuses and then thought, OK, I'll give him a few bucks, too, maybe a $5. As I was getting out the $5 he said, "how about that other $20"? He had spotted it when I was getting the first one out! Sure, why not. So I gave him the $20. Now, I'm down to $10 and have a week left here. My plan of leaving money at a coffee shop for random customers was pretty much gone. I can't believe MY plans were ruined! I thought to myself how I should learn to just walk by and keep myself out of situations such as this. Little did I know the best was yet to come.
Last night I met a lady in the park. I will call her Lisa, as I think that was her name. Lisa was 51, just like me. She has been homeless for some time, but has a lot of family back in Nashville, where she's from. Lisa told me of all the medical issues she's been having and her hopes of getting back to Nashville one day. We talked about riding the trains and Greyhound, as we've both done quite often. She told me how she could sleep in the park and would be left alone (by authorities, I presume, as long as she'd take her shoes off. Anyway, I asked if she'd like breakfast in the morning and she said sure. So, this morning I went up to Panera Bread. I walked in with a USA Today paper and there was this young man who looked down and out. He had brought in a plastic cup and asked Chelsea (working behind the counter) if he could get a glass of water. She said sure. He then began looking at the news paper they were selling. I asked if he wanted my copy and he was so genuinely happy and accepted it. He then offered me these two small bags of Cheetos that he was carrying. That's when it hits me. This man, who has nothing, is offering me everything he has at this moment. Rather than say no (I really don't like them), I accepted his gift. I asked him if he was hungry or wanted a cup of coffee, and he said yes to the coffee. I asked Chelsea for a cup and was going to pay for it but she said no. These were two of the most beautiful exchanges that I could've been gifted. How could I be so selfish with my own money, or belongings, in general? This man taught me a priceless lesson in generosity. As I waited for my two sandwiches, I sat taking in all that had just occurred over the past few minutes and began to cry. Then, I get to the park where I thought Lisa would be. Turns out, there were FOUR people sleeping; one on each bench. What am I going to do with only two sandwiches, one which was supposed to be for me? One man awoke and I asked if he'd like half a sandwich; he gladly accepted. But then the problem was how was I going to cut them...I didn't have a knife at all. I asked him and he didn't either. I reached in to pull out a sandwich and lo and behold, Chelsea had put a plastic knife in the bag with the two sandwiches. Why would I need a knife to each a sandwich? I wouldn't. I think the universe was just trying to tell me something...share. I left the rest of the sandwiches, along with the Cheetos, for the others when they awoke. In the end, I'm not sure if Lisa was the lady sleeping or not, as she was covered from head to toe in blankets. I stopped by to see her this evening, but she wasn't at the park. So, I left two bananas, an apple and a smile card, on the table for her, or someone else to find.
I am looking forward to what the universe has to offer me tomorrow<3.