~ A fictional story ~

It was a cold and gloomy winter day, as I just parked my car heading into work. I was a 21-year-old young man who pretty much complained about everything. I was frustrated and quite upset about life and humanity in general. I was not a happy kid.

I noticed a homeless man around the corner. He was laughing with another person. I felt good that at least he was well clothed and warm. I just casually noticed and went into work. 

When work was done and I exited the building, I noticed the same man laughing with a couple of different people. Once again, I just casually noticed and went home. I thought to myself, why is he always so happy?

The next morning as I drove to work, I saw the homeless man in the same spot. Only this time he was reading a book while drinking some coffee. And as it was no surprise, he was laughing at something he was reading.

He loved to laugh. And the majority of the time he was surrounded with people and just pretty much in a happy mood. But, here is a man who is down on his luck, so as it seems.

To be honest, I started to find this man fascinating. I was very curious about this gentleman. I had to talk to him.

I went to a local coffee shop across the street from work to get him some coffee and a couple bagels. 

 I greeted him with a “Hello Sir.” And he replied “Hello young man, how are you this cold fine day? Hope you are warm?”

I replied, “Yes Sir, I am. Thank you for asking.”

“I thought you might like some coffee and bagels,” I said. 

“Thank you, young man.” he replied. “I could use some carbohydrates and good cup of Joe to keep me warm inside.”

I told him that I always notice that he is in a good and positive mood.

He looked at me with an infectious smile and said, “What’s not to be happy about, son. I am alive. Being human is one of the greatest gifts from God, but unfortunately some don’t see this. I meet kind people like you. I get to meet kind and different people like you every day with different stories they tell me.

“Every day I would say to people: How are you? How is your day been going? And I would greet them with a smile. And you know what?  They would automatically smile back at me and tell me they are fine. Sometimes, some ignore me, but the ones that ignored me started to acknowledge me after a while.

“You see, son, kindness goes a long way. Money or materialistic things do not buy us happiness, but kindness can help change a person. So, I try to send positive energy to everyone who seems down or even happy. Now the people who ignored me are the ones who now come and talk to me and ask for some needed guidance.

“Oh, the young generation seems to forget how lucky they are to have families, food, and clothes on their back. Sometimes, I try to give them some kind of perspective and direction in their life, so they don’t end up in my position. Ha ha ha.”

“That is amazing, my friend,” I said. “I love your optimism and how you see the world.” 

“You have to be optimistic, son,” he said.

 “There are so many problems going on in the world and so many circumstances out of our control, but it is how we react to what life throws at us that can make a difference in how you view the world. When someone sees dark in the darkness, I see the light in the darkness.

“With all evil, there is still good and we must put our focus on the good and on the positive. We must continue to be and do well. We must continue to help the unfortunate. We must continue to spread love, hope, and give them faith that good still exists. That is the key to happiness, my boy. Let us be the light for someone’s darkness. Let’s give them hope.”

“Wow!” I said “This is so true. I can see how people are drawn to you because you are spreading love and happiness to others and they feel good as well.”

“That is what makes me so happy,” he said.

“Well, Sir … it was just a pleasure talking to you and getting to know you.” 

I noticed that his jar of money was empty. So, I pulled out a $20 bill, and as I was approaching the jar to put the money in, he intercepted it by putting his hand in front of the jar.

“No, son,” he said.” I have everything I need. I do not need your money, but I will take a good hug.”

 “Absolutely,” I said.

As I went to embrace him with a hug, I had such a euphoric feeling and I felt really good.

I told him, “I will see you tomorrow,” and he just glanced and smiled. As I went to cross the street to get to my car I turned around to wave bye again and to my surprise he was not there.

I was thinking to myself that he was just there two seconds ago. I drove around the building and down the road as curious as I can be, but it felt like he vanished into thin air. I started to ask myself “WHO WAS I JUST TALKING TO?”

Next morning going to work I noticed he was not there. I just looked at the spot I saw him last, I put on a genuine smile, and went to work. I never saw this man again, but he lives in my heart. I remember the important lessons that he taught me about life and happiness. Lessons that we should all take in to heart.

***

 “Wow! Thank you so much Grandpa for telling me this story.”

“No problem sweetheart. Now it’s time for bed.”

As I tucked in my beautiful granddaughter into bed with her Cookie Monster plush, my granddaughter said, “Can I do something good for someone too?”

I replied, “Always do good for people sweetie, especially those who are not as fortunate as we are. Remember, every single person on this earth is important, unique, and special just like the homeless man. So, we should all respect each and every person and never look down on them.” 

“Okay, Grandpa.” I gently kissed her good night and I kissed Cookie Monster too. 

“Love you Grandpa.”

“Love you more Hun.”

As I gently closed my granddaughter’s door, I put a smile on my face and I thought to myself, I am so blessed and grateful. I suddenly had an epiphany that the kind homeless man may have been my guardian angel.

~ The End ~

Image by voffka offka from Pixabay