What is good in deed is good... indeed...

The best part about doing something nice is expecting nothing in return. So that is exactly what I did tonight just to see what happens. 

I drove to Albertson's tonight and actually thought about whether or not the bums that sit outside once in awhile ever actually get anything from anyone. And on this particular night, there happened to be one there. Here's how the conversation went:

(as many people walk by ignoring him)

"Sir, sir, I don't want no money. I have a daughter whose birthday is on the 28th and I'd like to get her something for it and --" ::I interrupt him::

"Do you really have a daughter or are you just hungry?" I asked.

::a little stunned:: "I'm just hungry."

"Okay, then what do you want?"

"Chocolate cake and Napoleon or Chocolate ice cream."

"Alright, I'll be right back."

"Thank you, sir, God bless you"

He actually screamed that last part through the door. Which might be the reason the managers came out and asked him to leave. While his completely red, blood-shot eyes and slurred speech tell me he isn't going to remember this at all, I was completely shocked at the feeling of genuine appreciation this man had for this cake and ice cream. Well sure, he then asked for a bus fare which I declined, but I kind of expected that... he is homeless, you know.

This leads me to ask myself, "Why were those thoughts in my mind the one night I actually run into a bum at Albertson's?" I mean, I've seen them before, but never have any of them asked anything from me. "Of all the times I've had a chance to do something like this, why did I choose tonight?" I can't honestly even answer those questions. Maybe God said this man needs some pity. I don't know. For whatever reason, I had some for him tonight.

Let's think big picture here. I don't have much. That man had absolutely nothing. It may be of his own doing, I don't know. I can't help but sit here and think of the other day, driving through a rather -- what's the word -- economically challenged part of town and saw two very young girls with barely enough clothes to cover themselves walking next to the highway with their mother. Those kids truly don't have a chance. Maybe that was this guy too. Who knows? It isn't for me to find out. My responsibility is only for myself and maybe I'll never do a good deed like this again, but the power of kindness is pretty amazing.

Reading this back to myself, I sound a bit pretentious, as if I am trying to show off that I did a good deed. This is not my intention with this article. Social responsibility means don't smoke next too an elderly woman with an oxygen tank, not be forced to buy her an inhaler. But if you choose to go that extra step, then don't be afraid to do it.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.