Ice Cream in the Morning

I have been traveling to big cities these past three weeks. Austin, Chicago and San Diego. 

 

I have walked to nearly all my meetings on these trips. The number of homeless people seems overwhelmingly high in these places.

 

Is the number higher than usual?

 

I can't say.

 

How to give someone their dignity while keeping a reasonable expectation that I deserve personal space- is a question that nags at me during these encounters.

 

Walking about 6:3 0 AM in San Diego a woman is ensconced in a restaurant’s doorway. She screams at the top of her lungs:

 

I WANT ICE CREAM.

 

She is a woman after my own heart.

 

I fully recognize that each person I meet carries their own unique story and set of circumstances that brings them to their current state.

 

I am grateful for my life - so in front of you and the divine - let me be unambiguous that I am aware of how fortunate I am.

 

There is an arrogance to thinking I can help all these people.

 

Yet there is a moral cowardice in thinking I am disconnected to them all and I can do nothing about any of their plights.

 

I have picked my spots over the years.

 

Buying food here and giving cash there.

 

I am not sure on what the best course of action we should all take.

 

I admit I did not do it.

 

But I hope someone got that girl some ice cream.