Putting a 'Brake' on Life

I got my spark plugs and wires as well as my rear brakes changed today by a friend of a friend. Cheap service is always good....however, the day didn't go exactly as I had anticipated...story follows:

About a week ago I talked with a friend about needing my brakes changed and mentioned that Mike had planned on doing it over Christmas break, but since he had passed away - I never got them changed... my friend said he knew someone that could do it...and so, that's where it all begins...(this story really isn't about getting them changed - so please read on :) )

Being the 'prepared' person that I am *sarcasm*, I waited until today to get the parts for the job. Consequently, I had to drive around the frickin city to three different stores until I finally found the brakes. However, they gave me the wrong brakes...had to drive back...then needed a brake kit...had to drive back...blah blah blah...I was getting SO perturbed!!!

BUT - in the midst of it all - I had an experience that changed something for me, and hopefully for you as well...

On the way back to the store to get the right brake pads - there was a homeless guy on the corner...holding up a sign that said something like 'homeless - anything helps'....all I could do was stare as I slowly descended from my ladder of self-importance to get a perspective on life.

All the time that I had spent this morning running around to get the parts and having no concerns whipping out my credit card to pay for the 'best parts'....he had been standing there, without a home....in a thin jacket and a cardboard sign.
All the time that I had spent thinking about my need for an eyebrow waxing and really needing to get back to studying because I want to get one up on the next few weeks - he had been standing there...holding that sign...coughing and probably freezing...on the side of the road...without a home.

*SLAM* I am back on earth

This isn't the first time I've seen a homeless person - my experiences in Philly (see entries from September 2004 - April 2005) gave me plenty of experience with the reality...but I guess I had forgotten..and had become so caught up in my own bullshit and 'needs.'

I have so many luxuries - yet sometimes, I complain about wanting more. I take so many things for granted - yet sometimes, think I deserve them.

To have a second in his shoes...I don't even need a second to understand...but a second might really say something that I can't even conceptualize here...

But my feeling for him goes beyond the fact that he is without shelter...it goes further...

i'm sure he doesn't have a job - because most job applications require that you give them an address and phone number...I'm sure he doesn't have a good idea about where his next meal is coming from or where he is going to find shelter...And I'm sure his pride is long gone...if he has a family - he can't provide...and for himself - to be standing there...with a cardboard sign...asking for money...

Isn't life interesting - the experiences we all have...

But in the midst of everything - there are people having experiences that are more than likely more challenging than the ones that we are having...
I'm not saying that this should make our experiences any less important - however, it should help to keep things in perspective...


Â?People who are homeless are not social inadequates. They are people without homes."
-- Sheila McKechnie