Every single day at the corner of a street where I turn onto the main highway there is an older gentleman sitting there with a sign asking for support as his medications cost $200 per week.
Every time I pass him I put my head down in shame because I never carry cash... and I always tell myself to grab a few dollars from wherever I am going... but then I forget.
This last Saturday I was picking up lunch for the boys and saw him there. I had some time to spare before the food was ready so I found the closest ATM and pulled out $200.
My thought process?
It was early on a Saturday and I see him there EVERY SINGLE DAY. He's elderly and it was hot, so I was hoping that he could take a break and get some rest.
Later in the day around 1700 I had to run another errand (I clearly am not very efficient with logistics- which is ironic because it's what I did in the Marine Corps and what I do for a living). Sure enough, he was still there with his sign.
It kind of broke my heart. Here's why.
I get told all of the time don't give money to panhandlers, they're usually doing it for all of the wrong reasons. I get it. I really do.
But at the same time, I can't imagine how embarrassing it has to be for someone to get to the point where they have to stand there asking for money. Is it everybody who is in it for the wrong reasons or are there genuine cases where there's no other alternative? If the latter, am I passing up an opportunity to help someone in need or I am just fueling an addiction- whether that addition be alcohol, drugs, or even the ability to get money from strangers.
Going back to my main point about the EMDR session- I believe I am willing to give no matter the underlying cause because I didn't have support when I needed it the most. And because of that, I can completely relate to the feeling of desperation and doing whatever needs to be done to keep going.
What about you? What are your thoughts on this?