Tags
a beggar can't be chooser, feeding the hungry, Grand Central Station, homelessness, making somebody's day, New York City, Zaro's Bakery
You probably heard the saying “Beggars can’t be choosers”, but can they?
This morning as I exited the train and was walking through the lower level of Grand Central Station I noticed that there was a man next to the ordering line at Zaro’s Bakery. It seemed he was asking people in line for something. I assumed he was asking for food.
I will stop dead in my tracks if I see someone that I think is hungry.
I approached cautiously as nowadays I cannot be sure of somebody’s mental state. I have been yelled at before.
The following exchange ensued:
Me: Can I get you something?
He seemed unsure for a second but then he said: tea with sugar
Me: Would you like something to eat?
Looking at the food cases displaying all kinds of pre-made sandwiches and other items, he said: perhaps 2 boiled eggs.
Me: That is it? What about a sandwich?
He answered: Perhaps some cheese. If I get one of those (he pointed to a wrap sandwich) it will be a waste. I don’t eat meat, lettuce, tomato, and those other stuff.
Then he added: I am homeless but I am a picky eater.
I smiled. Before I could say anything, the server, who had been waiting and listening to this exchange said: What about a grilled cheese?
He seemed thrilled with that suggestion and responded: yes I like that!
I paid for the tea, eggs and grilled cheese and gave him the change. I wished him a blessed day and walked away as he stayed and waited for his grilled cheese.
A choosy beggar made my day!
Now looking back, and perhaps if I was not one of those New Yorkers always in a hurry, I should have asked him the reason why he eats what he eats. I should have asked him his name and his story. I am always curious about how a person arrived at a certain situation. I also want them to feel that someone cares.
Next time…
“I slept and I dreamed that life is all joy. I woke and I saw that life is all service. I served and I saw that service is joy.” – Kahlil Gibran
Blessed with a Star on the Forehead 
You’re so awesome! We can definitely choose to be picky… better he told you then to have begrudgingly taken it only to give it to someone else. Always great to hear from you! Been super sick this past week and slowly coming around but still not 100%… looking forward to your chicken soup for the soul writings! 🙂
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I am sorry you have been sick, I hope you you are feeling much better now. Sometimes we have to be down a little to come back stronger and reevaluate our well being.
I am always looking to inspire and be inspired. Calling me “chicken soup” is such a huge compliment!! Thank you! Sending you “feel better” blessings! 🙂
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Yes, but you DID stop, and that’s what matters! What a lovely story. I really enjoy hearing people’s life stories…and what has made them the person they are…good or bad. It is what it is.
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Thank you! Indeed, it is fascinating to hear how people arrived at their current situation. We are better people when we are able to hear people’s stories without criticism and judgment and with open minds and hearts! Wishing you a blessed week! 🙂
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Love this!! And I think they can. Last year, I ran into a donut shop and there was a homeless gentleman outside. I asked if I could get him a donut. He told me the kind he wanted and then he got excited and added, “oh can you warm it up.” I thought about it while I was waiting for his donut to get microwaved. I honestly was kind of annoyed, I was like serious. But then I thought about it. This poor guy probably doesn’t get warm meals and this warm donut might be the only warm thing he gets. And perhaps this warm donut will bring back some happy memories for him. It made my day and now I try to buy a beggar food at least once a month, sometimes more. I always try to make sure I get them some fruit and water with whatever else they want.
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Thank you so much for reading it and liking it! Thank you for sharing your anecdote. I like your thought process! I like how you went from annoyance to compassion and understanding. It is a great think you are doing and I thank you! Wishing you a blessed week ahead! 🙂
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I love your act of thoughtfulness. I never understand how so many can end up on the streets. I know I’m very lucky but it’s inconceivable to me.
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I feel like you. Some things I struggle to understand, but I try not to pass judgement and help if I can. We are indeed lucky to have a roof over our heads and food on our tables. Wishing you a blessed weekend! 🙂
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Good that you took the time to help him!
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Hi Helen
Thank you! It did make me feel good.
Wishing you a blessed weekend! 🙂
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Love this!
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Thank you! Blessings! 🙂
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You have a good heart and are cautious, too. Wonderful. It’s also nice to see you post about other areas of your life. The ones on your dating are wonderful and fun and enlightening as well as well done, but it’s still nice.
Thanks for starting blog reading time out well.
Scott
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Funny you mentioned enjoying reading about other areas in my life. I realized that my readers would start thinking that all my life is about is searching for a boyfriend. My life is so much more and in 2018 I intend to share more and write more about my life and the world around me as I see it!! Stay tuned 🙂
And on the note I intend to read more and visit more blogs.
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Good for you!!! Glad to hear you say it. I, for one, will truly enjoy learning more about you.
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Thank you! Stay tuned…
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Yrvw
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It’s a a beautiful gesture and will make me think the next time I am in Grand Central!
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Thank you! Wishing you a blessed weekend! 🙂
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Wait,wait,wait… You give food to the hungry, encourage them to eat more than they ask for, accommodate their personhood (among the worst deprivations of homelessness), take the trouble to write about it so we’ll all feel added permission to do the same, and walk away feeling as though you might have done more?
My friend, I wouldn’t worry too much about that last if were you, ’cause you passed the”good person” turnstyle way back there before the bend, and are presently homing solidly in on angelic territory.
You go 😎
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Hahaha your comment was so cute (I know there is a better word then just “cute” but sometimes words fail me) it made my day! I totally pictured myself with a halo on my way to heaven!
Can you be my friend? 😘
Blessings!
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I’d LOVE to be your friend! 🤗
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AWESOME!! I am doing a happy dance!! 🙂
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