Dear Anonymous,
There was an air of tenderness out here today. Maybe because it's first of the month and folks have their checks so they are a bit better off than at the end of the month. There was an ease to their cigarette sharing. An ease to the sock distribution. Not so much desperation in the air.
Coffee cards, socks and backpacks were dispersed.
Even dear Grumpy, not pictured here, who likes a coffee card now and then and not much else, turns and hands me an air freshener as a gift. His wizened face crinkles and softens. My knees buckle just a little. How can I convey that moment. Totally unexpected. Wordless generosity.
Please accept that moment, Dear Anonymous, for all you have offered and all that has been received and appreciated out here. These guys know it's unusual and today there was gratitude.
Another generous moment? When a gentleman from the streets arrived all cleaned up. New boots. Clean clothes. Freshly washed hair. His self care was appreciable...and a gift. 'You matter.' I mutter inside like a mantra 'you matter you matter you matter.' And I think, I must be the luckiest person in the world right now. Thank you.