I seldom walk through the streets with my gaze directed down. I rarely search the ground looking for people laying around. I’ve traveled internationally and visited countries both developed and developing around the world. But while on a trip to New Orleans after a five star dinner, I walked through the Quarter to hear a band.
While en route I looked down and there was a salt and pepper bearded, postured on the ground — his leg had been amputated.
And I passed him.
The brother held his hand out and he reached out and I avoided him. I didn’t stop to ponder what perils had befallen him, or what circumstances had brought him to this place.
Here in the place ravaged by Katrina, he is a brother, and I was a brother who could choose to feed or not to feed him, to see or not to see him.
I walked back. I handed him a few dollars and had a conversation with him. We spoke brother to brother. I didn’t ask how he lost his leg, it’s not there and that’s enough. This man was striving like the rest of us, not to end up six feet under. But the sad reality is that living on the ground — exposed to all manner of malady — makes him vulnerable prey and brings him closer to death each passing day.
If he’s robbed he can’t give chase. He is relatively defenseless and a target for ridicule and indifference, the offspring of inhumanity.
I refrained from dredging through his past and delving into what’s personal. I considered the notion that he was a reflection of me. He is the evidence of societal shortcomings. And, during our discourse I leaned on him and he steadied himself to support me.
There are big stories and little stories. Little story: the cost of a cup of coffee at Starbucks. Big story: Small gestures like sacrificing Starbucks fix to give to homeless makes a difference.
The weather is changing. And although it won’t snow in New Orleans, my brother with one leg had been exposed to rain all day, and was chilled through. I recognize that we’re all enduring some strain now, we are not excused from endeavoring to help others live with dignity and walk with grace. To the contrary this is the time to extend ourselves to each other. So carry a blanket in the car and keep a jacket handy and be prepared to give them away.
Peace.
Munson Steed, Publisher
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