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