I met a homeless man today. He wasn't some old man with a long beard and missing teeth. He was a war veteran. A veteran of the Iraq war. The current one. I met him as I was driving home to Speedway. Normally I continue on down I-465 to the Speedway exit, but for some reason I felt compelled to exit off at 38th street. It really doesn't matter anyhow. All roads lead to my house if you know how to do it. Down at the end of the exit, near the traffic light stood a rather young man with a burgundy shirt and gray jeans. He had a sign around his neck which read "Homeless Iraq War Veteran". Most of the time I try to avoid people begging at traffic lights, not because I don't care, but rather because I don't want to encourage such behavior. But it was different this time. This man was quite young, probably in his mid twenties. He wasn't wearing a military uniform to PROVE he was a veteran, nor did he dress in dirty clothing. He wasn't trying to put on any airs. He was just a guy who clearly hit some bad luck. His face was a bit dirty and so were his hands. I couldn't help but think he must be living in squalor.
He walked up to my window and I rolled it down and handed him some money. His eye were blue and looked very very sad. I wondered what could have possibly happened to this man. I've heard about our American veterans returning home, only to find their job had been given to someone else and they no longer have a house or apartment. So what happened? Did he return home to the US, to an ungrateful country where his friends and his family left him? And nobody cares? That was the feeling I got from him. I didn't ask him any questions. I didn't want to embarrass him. He gently took the money from my hand, smiled and sincerely thanked me and then walked away.
I still don't know what it was that encouraged me to take that exit. Something told me to do it. I NEVER take that exit. I'm glad I did it. I hope it made a difference. I can't stop thinking about him and where he might be tonight. I hope he found shelter somewhere safe. I wish I had given him more money than I did. I hope he finds happiness soon.
