Dear Anonymous,
He's still making up for the rent he owes as a result of a recent relapse, putting his housing at risk. So this month his entire check was withheld for rent and he had to come up with the shortfall. Looks like he was able to do that. But that's what makes that coffee card even more attractive today.
It's a vulnerable time. It would be easy to sucuumb to a sense of being overwhelmed. Easy to just say 'f*** it.' and feel 'Hey, I've already started the slide. Whats' the use?'
Somehow he found some brakes. Somehow he is holding onto that hard fought for apartment....maybe just by fingernails, but he's doing it.
It's cold this morning. He takes a big down vest and puts it over his coat.
I notice the two men standing with me are both wearing those new, lined hoodies someone donated this week (thank you!).
Another man stops by, cold and shivering from sleeping on the street. And likely from alcohol. He is polite. Remembers my name. Is very happy to receive a pair of gloves. A back pack. A coffee card. A piece of coffee cake. I know he has a sister who has gone to the ends of the earth for him. And loves him.
His hands are shaking as he heads in to the coffee shop to thaw out.
Thank you Dear Anonymous.