Happy Memorial Day!
During our “Pack Away Hunger” initiative yesterday, I met a man named Frank. Frank was in the middle of crossing the barrier to reach the river below the bridge when my friend and I offered him a lunch pack and cold water. He had no teeth, just gums he revealed as he smiled and thanked us. Fishing line in one hand, wiping his brow with the other, he confessed that he had been very hungry and was just about to fish for dinner and seemed grateful to have someone to share his knowledge with on the difference fresh, running water makes and the taste of its fish. We had the AC running the entire time and still, the heat would suck the cool air out immediately every time we opened the windows. It was one of those beautifully scenic Sundays, drenched with sunshine but best observed behind air conditioned windows, it most definitely was not a day to trek all across the city, lugging buggies filled to the brim with dented tin cans in a one man marathon. I wish I had the courage to ask these men (I only met one woman), what happened. It can’t possibly all be part of a Dave Chapelle skit. It’s not comedy, it’s reality. We grew up pretty poor and the neighborhoods I spent my childhood riding bikes through only seemed different to me when one day, I came out and discovered that my red bike was no longer there. Do you steal because you have/want to, someone tells you to, it’s a common practice, or all of the above?
As today is Memorial Day, it serves as a neon-highlighted reminder that an estimated 144,842 Veterans spent at least one night in an emergency shelter or transitional housing program in a recent year. Perhaps some of the Men I met yesterday are disabled Veterans. I can’t even begin to imagine the hell on earth that these brave Men and Women must be thrust into each day. The people I met yesterday + Kids I saw late night, prove just how easy it is for them to be forgotten about. It all comes down to how we, as Humans react and respond.
I pray that Frank caught that big fish and that he is OK. Maybe I’ll see him again next Sunday.
‘Til tomorrow, I bid y’all a short goodbye and a Happy Memorial Day.
XOXO
Your Squishy Monster
My late great DAD was an honorably discharged WW2 veteran Angie.He was over age 30 and volunteered for the UNITED STATES army. and served our for over 6 years until the war ended.I have other relatives and friends that served in various branches of the service.Some gave their lives.How veterans many I feel are treated leaves a lot to be desired.How people in general all to often today are treated I could say the same.
There are many of us that realize this day is meant to honor our fallen service heroes.Not a day just for mattress, car, clothes and other sales and to cook out.
Thank you Angie and have a great day!
Les.
=)
It’s so great that you take the time for the “Pack Away Hunger” initiative! I used to go every week with my church when I used to live in Miami….today is unbearably hot in nyc so I hope everyone can find some shelter and shade to stay warm.
xoxox
awe cute post!!! happy mday!!!!! xx
http://www.thehautecookie.com
What a fabulous initiative my friend – awesome work to do it
Hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
It’s revolting. Why don’t the veterans have a lifetime pension??? I cannot understand it… I think some people are very lucky to live in Western Europe.
You have an amazing heart! It’s awesome that you are a part of Pack Away Hunger.
xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
It’s not a gigantic wave, but it’s a ripple.
I hope you had a fabulous Memorial Day Weekend!!!
I agree, it’s completely senseless. What do you make of Athletes that get paid more than Teachers or Physicians?
Hey Allen! (I’m Magic) lol
those are two outstanding places to have lived!!! (and I really hope so too)
I salute brave and honorable Men like your Father, Les!!!! I don’t know if I could even do it!
I love that you guys write, “you are loved” on the sacked food
Hey CJ! Thanks…it was baby brother’s idea =D I hope you and yours had a great weekend!!!
yer freakin me out =P LOL
Thank you Angie.I do not know if I could either.Takes a very special breed a person to serve in the military.
I would have lots of similar examples sadly in many European countries teachers are usually underpaid… (Apart from Switzerland where teachers in state owned schools have good salaries actually! I don’t even mention doctors here…).
It’s crazy. The Kanye Wests of the world get paid more than Dr. so and so. It’s a shame.