Jack Jones, I'm calling him.
I actually don't know his name, but he looks like he'd be called something snappily alliterative like Jack Jones.
I've seen Jack Jones twice in a row in the past couple of days that I've been walking down Huntingdon Avenue.
The first time was when Yenny and I were on our way to the Charles Theater to watch Win Win. He said, "Hello there ladies, do you have the time?"
We didn't stop for him, but I glanced at my watch and quickly told him the time.
The second time I saw him was this morning when I was walking down to Safeway for some groceries. He was at a different corner this time, talking to someone. Maybe he recognized me, maybe he didn't. He flashed a bright smile and asked me how I was doing.
I didn't stop, but automatically smiled and said "I'm good thanks."
As I continued walking, it occurred to me that Jack Jones was a homeless man. And he had spoken to me twice, and he didn't ask me for money a single time.
On my way back, I found him sitting on the footsteps of a small church eating his breakfast. I asked him if he had change in quarters for a couple of dollars. He said he didn't. Then I asked him if he would like a couple of dollars, and he said, Yes please. He said God bless you, and gave me a peace sign.
As I was walking away, he called to me and asked if I needed help with my groceries. I said I didn't, but thank you anyway.
As I was walking further away from him, two thoughts occurred to me:
I wish I gave him a bit more money.
AND
I am glad that yesterday was not the end of the world. I'd hate to think that Jack Jones had to die still a homeless man.
4 comments:
salam kye! im a quiet reader of your blog..always find your posts interesting. do umind my asking, ru in america currently doing research or smething? that is so cool and im so jealous (in a good way!) hehehehe all th ebest to you k! im stating my phd soon in good old uia (no scholarship for overseas :( ) all the best in wht ur doing!
Waalaikumussalam Murni :D Yea I am a 'quiet' reader of your blog as well :D so the feeling is mutual.
I'm in the US right now wrapping up my Master's education, my graduation ceremony is today as a matter of fact.
I'm happy that you're starting your PhD soon! I think UIA is a good choice for law or economics, but I'm hesitant about any of their other programs for now, including science. I'm in the midst of awaiting my PhD options right now-- no clue what will happen. But insyaAllah it'll all work out for the best.
Keep in touch :D
It's as if from every post you made, the stories gave an almost exact depiction of some of the articles I've read in Readers Digest. Only they gave a more honest feel. yea I'm a quiet reader of yer blog too, sis. And Readers Digest is the only material worth reading in this so called education-based cellar, just so you know :p.
CONGRATZ FOR GRADUATING AND FOR MAKING BANGI-ANS PROUD! And our family too :D -Fifa-
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