This evening, I had the pleasure of having dinner with a friend I haven't seen for quite an amount of time. It's really only been a couple of months, but considering that we used to spend nearly every weekday evening having dinner together & then lived together for a few months, that's a long time for us. We grew to be very close over the past year, & since I've moved into my cute little apartment (that I'm still totally ga-ga over & am currently trying to spruce up, by the way) we've not been able to see one another as often, & as a result have grown apart a little. Nearly an hour was spent chatting & dining on delicious Dreamland ribs before he had to leave for rehearsal. After bear hugs & "I miss you so much"es were exchanged, I walked to my car across the street, tomorrow's lunch of leftovers in hand.
It was as I was unlocking my car that a van slowed down. It made me incredibly nervous when the man driving said, "Excuse me, ma'am?" I quickly threw my purse & one leg into my car & looked over to him. "We're traveling gypsies. Can you spare your leftovers?"
This took me aback. Traveling gypsies? Does this guy think I'm an idiot? was my first thought. Then I thought about how disappointed I would be with the Lean Cuisine I'll have to buy for lunch tomorrow (& how I wouldn't get to treat Miss Lola to the bones I had saved & put in my carry-out box for her) as I handed the man my box & smiled "I don't see why not!" He & the woman in the passenger's seat seemed so grateful. They both said "Thank you, ma'am!" before they drove off.
Now, I'm perfectly aware that they could have been totally lying, just wanting some free food. I even had a twinge of regret as I drove away, thinking Those people are totally laughing at what an idiot I am right now... But I would rather they think I'm a moron because I showed them a small kindness, as opposed to thinking I'm a bitch because I was greedy with the two ribs I hadn't eaten. Whenever I'm in need, someone always takes care of me. I'm aware that two ribs aren't much of a contribution, but it was still better than turning away.
Every time someone asks me if I can spare any money or I see a homeless person on the street downtown, I always think back to my first visit to Chicago. My sweet friend Matt & I were staying with some friends of his for a weekend. We had been out that night, first picking up Chinese (seriously, best sesame chicken I've ever had), & taking it to another friend's place to eat & let them catch up for a bit; next, we went out to a few bars with a friend of his. When we got back, we had to park very far away, & we were carrying with us our leftover Chinese that had been sitting in the car while we were out. Right as we got on the block where we were staying, a homeless man asked us if he could have our leftovers. This being my first real interaction with a homeless person, I looked to Matt. Matt, looking more to protect me & get me inside than anything, told him we were planning to eat it later. The man mumbled something I thought was a thank you as we continued to our door. I thought I'm probably not going to eat the rest of this. Matt was unlocking the door as I turned around to give the man my food, & when I turned the man was walking very quickly towards us, nearly in a full run. Right at us. Matt grabbed me & shoved me inside before quickly locking the door & hurrying me up the stairs. I was nearly in shock. I understand that there may have been something mentally not connecting with him in that moment, but I thought This man is so desperate for food that he nearly attacked us to get it. I was terrified & heartbroken all at the same time. I can't even imagine being in that situation.
Since that night, I've always felt a need to help people in that position. There is a theatre company in Chicago called Will Act For Food. They produce plays while working to help the homeless. I adore that idea. Ever since I first read about them, working with them has been on my bucket list. Last year, during my first show in Birmingham, I was speaking to a super precious lady, also in the show, about that company. I told her that I had wanted to do something along the lines of that here in the Magic City, even if it was just a one-time thing, but that I couldn't find anyone else interested in doing that same thing. She said she was, we planned & talked over the run of the show. Since then, we mention it every time we see each other, but so far nothing has happened, due to time/scheduling constraints. Hopefully soon, we'll be able to make it work. I want to help people, & these are people who need our help.
I know this post was long, & I apologize. I just had a lot to say tonight, I guess.
Thanks for reading, dearies!!
Love Love Love!!!
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