"Bless you"

I did something last night that I have never done before.

I was on my way to get something to eat.
I realized that my feet were cold, so I turned on the heat in my car. The temperature has been much cooler the past few days and it was about 39*F.
A few minutes later I came to an intersection and stopped at the stop light.

There it was.....I was struck with an emotion that came over me and filled me up.
I saw a man standing on the grassy area holding a cardboard sign.
I could not read the sign, but I could tell he was cold.
He was wearing a ski cap and had just zipped up his coat.
He had that look, the one of dispair.

I have never never never contributed to the people that stand on the side of a highway, advertising or asking for money. I know that many of them are not destitute and have contrived ways to acquire funds from people.
Many of them can make a pretty good living doing this.

There was something irrepressible that told me I had to help this man.
I do not normally carry much cash, but I reached in my purse and pulled out my wallet.
When I opened it, all I had was two $1 bills.
I rolled down my window and he approached my car.
I held out my hand with the two bills flapping in the wind.
He took them very graciously and said "bless you".
All I could manage to say was "good luck".
I rolled up my window and a moment later the light at the intersection turned green and I drove away.
I started crying almost uncontrollably. I kept thinking about this man.
I was thinking how hard times can be for me sometimes, but even during my toughest times, I have a soft bed and a warm home.
Then I could not help but wonder what this man's story was.
How did he end up on the street?
Does he have any family or friends?
How does this happen to someone?
I also thought about Thanksgiving and wondered what he will give thanks for.

I do not regret giving the man a couple of dollars, in fact, I wish it could have been more.
This situation, this man, has made me reflect on my life and has helped remind me of the things and the people I am thankful for.

I am thankful for my family, my friends, my job and so many things in my life.

I hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Have fun and be safe!

Love to you all,
Lee Ann