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I See You

I ran into Smith's today to deposit a check and on my way into the store, I noticed a man holding a sign asking for assistance. I made a mental note to help him on my way out. As I was driving out of the parking lot, it wasn't convenient to stop--he was on the other side of the road and I was in a hurry to get home, so I drove on by and glanced the other way. Why do we do that? I know why. When we look away, we can pretend we don't see their suffering. And if we don't see it, we are off the hook to help or don't have to feel guilty for not helping. 

Well, I didn't get too far before turning my car around. I wanted that man to know "I see you!" "I see your suffering and your suffering is mine!" I pulled up to the curb and rolled down the passenger side window. I was now close enough to see his cardboard sign that read, "Working on getting my situation worked out." He stammered, "I'm working on getting back to work and I'm . . . " He was jumbling words and nervous. He had no teeth, his clothes were wretched and his hair disheveled. His face was bright red with irritations and sunburn. I felt compassion. I interrupted his explanations with, "We all need a little help sometimes my friend! Take this and peace out. I love you!" And I drove off.

In effect, I said to my brother, "I see you!"And to me, it seemed that being seen felt as precious to him as the money.


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