What would you have done?
Have you ever come across a situation where you leave wondering if I could have done more?
Earlier this week I came across a lady at the Union Station metro who was homeless and begging for money. This unfortunately is usually quite a common scene for me to see throughout the city and where I live. I have seen all sorts of people saying how I just lost my job, or I need money for food, or I have fallen on hard times, etc… Depending on my circumstance and how the person is acting I will try to help out, and leave feeling good about helping the person. On the other hand I have given some money just to see the same person day and day again sitting in the same area asking for money with the same story. I have to admit that I do get angry when I am asked by the same person time and time again for money, and I think to myself why doesn’t this person try and do something to help themselves.
On this day I saw something that I have never seen before, and that was a lady begging for help with one of her two hungry kids crying while trying to nurse. I had initially walked past her because Union Station is so busy you are quite literally pushed along if you don’t walk fast enough. As I was walking by I couldn't help but continue to watch this lady. I was eventually able to make my way off to the side, and I just stood there thinking about what I was seeing. I watched person after person stare at her for a moment, and then turn their head and continue walking. After watching this for a couple of minutes or so I decided that I couldn’t leave without trying to help her. So I took out a couple of dollars that I had, and walked over and gave them to her. She said thank you and looked very appreciative, and I just gave her a simple "your welcome" and went about my day. On the way home I couldn’t help but feel that I could have done something more for her like actually by her food instead of giving her money.
If you were faced with the same situation how would you have handled it? I felt I could have done a better job, but I was taken by surprise and felt somewhat unsure of what to do.
What would you have done?