Signs

We've all seen them.

You know.

The person standing on the street corner holding signs.

The ones we pass judgment on without even knowing their story.

Yeah.

"Those" people.

Today I was out preparing for my oldest's birthday. As I was driving to various stores looking for a "blizzard" style ice cream cake I noticed a guy. With a sign.

It read - "FAMILY OF 4. ANYTHING HELPS, GOD BLESS"

This was the second time I had seen him that day.

The first time I was moved with compassion but since I generally don't carry cash I went on my way dragging my three year old to the next stop.

The next time I saw him I had realized I did have cash on me. For whatever reason earlier in the week my debit card PIN was rejected. My card was locked and I had gone into the bank (again, something I rarely do) to get cash to buy gas and a little extra until the PIN issue was resolved. So, I happened to still have a $20 bill that I had overlooked earlier.

The second time I saw him I decided to go up and talk. To find out his story.

"I'm Susan. What's your name?" I asked.

"Dylan," he replied.

"Are you looking for work?" I inquired.

"We just came up from Oregon," he said, "I'm trying to find whatever I can."

We talked some more. He told me about his wife and two kids; a boy and a girl. He shared some family challenges - history of alcoholism in wife's family, they had left Oregon due to mother-in-law not being in recovery as she had let on, etc. Our conversation maybe lasted 4 or 5 minutes. I asked if he had help in the area and he told me he was attending a local church. It was daytime, cars were passing by, lots of people coming and going, so I felt comfortable talking.

I moved closer and asked Dylan, "What do you need?"

He replied, "I need $9 to pay rent today."

I pulled out the $20 and said, "Here. You're done for today."

He seemed relieved, genuinely relieved. I actually sensed his relief. It was as if a huge weight was lifted.

I can't imagine ... the stress of not being able to provide for your family, your children, yourself.

Actually, I can.

I have had to face struggles during my divorce that I never experienced before. Questions like, What do I do about bills I can't pay? How do I keep my kids safe? What if I can't do it? And on ...

So, I guess what I think is ... we don't always know "everything".

What does YOUR sign say?