"Sam"

"Sam", originally uploaded by JBW Music.

This is a picture of my favorite homeless man in Boston -- he's always reminded me of Santa. I first saw him when his shopping cart full of his whole life got hit and knocked over by a crazy driver 2.5 years ago. He'd started shouting and crying. I never forgot that. There were so many times when I passed by him and he mumbled the words, "Got any change young lady?" Until this evening, I'd never spoken to him besides the times I either apologized and shook my head "no," or put change in his hand and told him to stay warm. It was really cold outside and I'd just finished my workout and grocery shopping when I thought he might want something to eat. I gave him a muffin I'd bought and came to find that his name is Sam.

He told me he'd been here since 1962, and that he used to be able to afford the rent a long time ago. I told him about the non-profit organization I've recently been working for - Give Us Your Poor. It was a moving experience to just stand and talk to him. I watched as dozens of people passed by and looked at me as if I must be crazy for talking to a homeless person. But that's just it. They are just people like you and I... and they need our help.