This morning I went to McDonalds.
I know, I know. Ill save you the trouble: SHAME ON YOU!
It was freaking freezing outside and I wanted a coffee. I get there and order a hot chocolate instead. And a hash brown. It was calling my name. I even called Alicia in the drive through and tattled on myself to her voicemail. It didn’t make me change my mind, I still wanted it.
Confessions feel good though.
While I am sitting there in the drive lane I notice a guy walking, with a backpack on, and he kept looking behind him. I honestly thought he was casing a car in the parking lot. Just then, a dog rounded the corner and I realized he was just watching him come around.
It was obvious that this man, and his dog, were homeless.
I drive around the building. The man and his dog are no longer in sight. As I get to the window around the other side, they hand me my receipt and I realize they charged me for the wrong meal. It was in my favor, so I didn’t really care, but didn’t want to end up with a burrito and a cinnamon roll. That person was piling on more calories then I was. The lady leaves, comes back, they are all frantic about what to do since its been ‘cashed out’. I said, its not a big deal. Its in my favor, if you want to leave it, that’s fine, I just want the right food.
Apparently that’s a suggestion they can work with.
They tell me to pull up to the next window. I am still wondering if the people behind me paid for my extra 84cents. They give me the right food and I drive out of McDonald’s and into the parking lot of the store next to it to turn around. I am through the store parking lot and I cannot get the guy out of my head.
Why I am even thinking about this guy is beyond me. He wasn’t begging for food, he was just walking. Everyone has a right to walk.
I get almost to the other side to the parking lot and I turn around. You have to listen to your conscious when it talks to you. I drive back to McDonald’s. I have to do a loop around so I am not driving the wrong way. The man is now sitting in the parking lot, out of the way towards the back, on the ground.
His dog is with him. Its a rottweiler.
I pull up right into the space next to him and hop out of the car.
“Would you like breakfast?” I said.
He looked at me like I was crazy. Then he said yes. That he really would. I cant tell if he believes me.
I told him I would be back and run around the building and inside. I ordered 2 meals, one of steak and bagel and some other crap, and one with sausage and egg and other crap. I added a large coffee and a water.
I came back out and gave the meals to him. His dog was wagging his tail when he saw me. I don’t think a rottweiler has ever wagged his tail at me before.
He said to me “I don’t know what made you turn around”.
Pause.
How did this guy know I left and turned around?
I said “Because everyone deserves to be helped and everyone deserves breakfast. I am blessed. I hope you enjoy your breakfast.”
I then reached out my hand and shook his.
I gave the dog a little pat and said “sweet, baby” and walked back to my truck.
As I got in, I saw my hash brown. The one I ordered but didn’t need. I grabbed it and got out and gave it to him. He said “Are you sure?”
And I said “Trust me, I don’t need it. You need it. This hash brown gave me a reason to come back.”
I got in the car and drove home.
Now I am sitting here sipping my hot chocolate.
100 calories lighter with no hashbrown, but somehow…. just as full.
This shouldn’t surprise us
we all know you’re awesome!!! Beautiful post and thing to do!
And as you I always felt that “i am more afraid of someone breaking in my house then attacking me in public.”
I love hearing stories like this. It always makes me want to do more. Karma works in mysterious ways and you were an awesome human being today.
Kas
I love stories like this. You made me weepy.
That was heart warming and had me in tears. I remember having the same urging one day, but was in the wrong lane. I turned left, went down to the next light until I could turn left again, turned left, then right and he was gone. I’m glad the man was still there so you could bless him.
OH, that was so nice of you, Trisha. Truly! It is too bad that more people don’t act this way – we’d all be much better off!
That’s an amazing story Trisha and almost had me in tears. If only everyone was like that, wouldn’t the world be a much better place?
Happy Wednesday!
That was so sweet of you Trisha! This post totally gave me goosebumps! It reminds me of a story that I did somewhat like this one. I’ll post about it later today.
Kudos to you for being so thoughtful! I’m sure that man will never forget you. ((hugs))
cant wait to read your story stef!
I am one to do this on occasion. I’ve actually been turned down for food because the guy wanted money instead lol. People are all deserving and it makes an impact when it’s done.
Wow this brought tears. I wonder why most (I admit even me) look down whenever they (I) see a homeless person. I really should think about what I am blessed with and what they are without! Thanks for sharing!
You are such a sweet woman Trisha.
To be honest, I probably would never do something like that…not because I don’t want to help others in that situation but because life with a cop leaves you suspicious of most people…..instead of thinking “wow, he’s had a rough day and could use a bite to eat”….my mind ventures toward “hm…let’s keep a distance, he could be carrying a box cutter” It’s pretty sad really.
i am more afraid of someone breaking in my house then attacking me in public.
My house is the one place I DO feel safe.
You seriously made me cry. Damnit. What a beautiful thing for you to do.
I try to do this whenever I can. I don’t often see homeless people in my small town, but I was in Denver last weekend and as I came off the interstate there was a homeless man just standing by the intersection. I gave him $10 bucks and it felt good.
what a great thing to do tina! I am sure it made a difference for him that day.
Crap you made my cry early in the day. My husband and I do this all the time, especially during the holidays. You are an amazing person – I truly hope you know how good your heart is.
good for you brittany~ Its nice to help out, holidays or anytime. I do think the holidays bring it out more in people though.
aww…trisha
*hugs*
that was very tender.
*sniff*
Wow, this really has me in tears! Thank you for your generosity and for sharing the story! I’ve never been in a situation like this, but hope that I would do that same.
you are an example. We all need to be mindful to those that truly need out help.
I meant to say truly need OUR help
Just what I needed today. Thank you.
Holy cow….tears Trisha…
If more people did this, the world would be such a better place.
i know you do it too kim.
A grand gesture, Trisha. I’m sure God was smiling down on you…