A man came into the shop yesterday. He was wearing an old dirty t-shirt that he had tucked into his ill fitting dingy jeans in an effort to look presentable. He wore a hat to cover his shaggy hair. The man looked as though he had not bathed in a while. His appearance reminded me of my Daddy. Then, with all the sincerity and humility he could muster, he asked if we had anything he could do to earn 5 or 10 bucks. Without even thinking, Brenda immediately replied that we didn't and apologized. Disappointment showed in his face as he said thanks and turned and walked away, discouraged. My heart broke and I wanted to cry for him, but I held back the tears in front of Brenda because I knew she wouldn't understand. I wanted to run out the door and stop him and hug him and talk to him, but I didn't. By now I'm sure Brenda has forgotten all about that man, but I can't stop thinking about him. He resembled my Daddy too much. I don't know what he would have done with the money if we had given it to him. Regardless, I would have rather given it to him than see that look on his face, so full of pain and child like. I found myself wondering how he came to the point in his life where he resorted to going from door to door asking for a few dollars. Can you imagine the humility and shame he feels being a capable grown man having to beg? I wonder if my Daddy ever did the same thing and if so, did anyone ever help him.

"So speak kind to a stranger cause you'll never know, it just might be an angel knocking at your door." - Ben Harper (Waiting on an Angel)