[righttackle44]

Oh, I appreciate your story. I think if we could learn the stories of many homeless people, we would find that the people they once were are not who they are now.


I used to work for a food bank, and we have our share of street people/homeless shelter volunteers. One man, a quiet little man who came in to sweep the floors because he couldn't lift crates or push hand trucks, was such a man.

One day, the man died in his little make-shift tent. He had some belongings: a sort-f scrapbook, letters, and, of course, many empty cheap-wine bottles.

We also found that the man was once a high-priced, in-demand attorney from Chicago. One day, his wife with their children in their van was going through an intersection with the green light. A driver tee-boned the van, killing all of them.

The man began to drink huge amounts. lost his practice, and stumbled out of Chicago on his way west.

It would be easy for us to criticize the man, accusing him of not having character or gravitas. But none of us probably have gone through his experience, nor have we lost the certification papers entitling us to work in our professions or jobs.

[LostInBayport]

It would be easy for us to criticize the man, accusing him of not having character or gravitas. But none of us probably have gone through his experience, nor have we lost the certification papers entitling us to work in our professions or jobs.

Just as we all have a unique soul, we all also have our own story. The one you related about that former attorney is sobering.

This will probably sound tacky, but there is a song Elvis did (or covered) that I play now and then called "Walk a Mile in My Shoes". It is a simple song, but it relates a worthwhile sentiment.