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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

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19 thoughts on “Happy Memorial Day!

  • Lester. says:

    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.

  • Yeasol says:

    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

  • sooae says:

    awe cute post!!! happy mday!!!!! xx
    http://www.thehautecookie.com

  • Choc Chip Uru says:

    What a fabulous initiative my friend – awesome work to do it
    Hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend!

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

  • Sissi says:

    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.

  • Always Maylee says:

    You have an amazing heart! It’s awesome that you are a part of Pack Away Hunger.

    xo, Yi-chia
    Always Maylee

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    It’s not a gigantic wave, but it’s a ripple.

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    I hope you had a fabulous Memorial Day Weekend!!!

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    I agree, it’s completely senseless. What do you make of Athletes that get paid more than Teachers or Physicians?

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    Hey Allen! (I’m Magic) lol

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    those are two outstanding places to have lived!!! (and I really hope so too)

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    I salute brave and honorable Men like your Father, Les!!!! I don’t know if I could even do it!

  • CJ at Food Stories says:

    I love that you guys write, “you are loved” on the sacked food

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    Hey CJ! Thanks…it was baby brother’s idea =D I hope you and yours had a great weekend!!!

  • that dude over there says:

    yer freakin me out =P LOL

  • Lester says:

    Thank you Angie.I do not know if I could either.Takes a very special breed a person to serve in the military.

  • Sissi says:

    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…).

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    It’s crazy. The Kanye Wests of the world get paid more than Dr. so and so. It’s a shame.

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