Today I bought underwear for a man I didn't know.
I was out running errands and decided to stop at Whole Foods to grab something quick for lunch. This WF happens to be next to a TJ Maxx, and this man was hanging around outside.
I smiled at him, because I try to be friendly, and he asked if I could "help." I didn't have any cash (and don't usually feel comfortable giving people cash on the street) so I said I couldn't.
Inside WF I bought my lunch and got a cup of coffee, to give to the guy on the way back out. But to my surprise, when I offered him the coffee, he shook his head.
What he really needed--what he was trying t get money for--was a change of underwear and socks. That's why he was outside the TJ Maxx.
I mean. What could I do? I asked him what size he was, and then I went into the TJ Maxx. I bought a pack of underpants, undershirts, socks, and a new T-shirt.
When I came out, he looked like he couldn't believe I had actually done that. He thanked me for the clothes and for the coffee, and he hugged me. I am not usually a hugger (esp with strangers!) but I hugged him back.
Boston Globe, don't you dare publish these tweets as a "local author does a thing" article.
I came home and ate my lunch and am still thinking about this (obvs) because I feel like I didn't do enough. Is it ever enough?
I am thinking that maybe it's not ever possible for one person to do enough (not even, say, Bill Gates or Jeff Bezos, though I would like to see them do a lot more, but that is another thread entirely.)
So I guess that's the reason I'm tweeting about this. No one person can do enough, but maybe if we all do something, it will approach enough.
So anyway, if this thread touched you in any way, please see what you can do to be kind to your fellow humans today, and tomorrow, and the next day, and every day after that.
It doesn't have to be money. Whatever you can do. Even if it's just being kind to another human by smiling.
StayFocusd is about to cut me off because I am supposed to be writing my novel right now, but here is a quick idea: google [your town] + homeless shelter and bring them some socks or underwear. I'm sure many of you have other ideas about how you can make a small difference.
