As we are preparing to salute all of our country’s veterans this month, perhaps there are those who need more than a salute.
On my way home from the Maumee Theater recently at a stop light I saw a man – a man, down, disheveled, and panhandling. The sign around his neck read “Help Vet”. Many times we try not to make eye contact with people like this. It was high traffic lunch time time, every car shuffling for a lane, but despite that, I turned into a lot and parked near him.
As cars and trucks blew past the him, and windows rolled up by drivers at the light, it was obvious this man was in need. When I approached him, he was not frightened. When I asked “What are you doin’ out here, brother?”
“I’m homeless, I’m staying with a friend, but not for long,” he said.
We’ll call him Mr. M. Mr. M served in Vietnam from ’68 to ’70. When he told me this, he looked directly in my eyes and added, “yeah, I saw it.” He didn’t have to explain what “it” was. His look said it all. Torn and tattered, this guy had been hurting…for a long time. I never saw someone more in need of help, but maybe more importantly, love. Brutalized by society and ignored by the government, they are still human beings, scarred by disappointment and disillusionment. Behind Mr. M’s blue eyes was a kind man who had probably seen humanity at worst, only to be treated by humanity at its worst.
Veterans Day will be upon us quickly. I ask this of all my readers, stop and take the time to reach out to your fellow man. Behind an old beat-up coat or under a baseball cap could lie a man whose world was rocked by war, causing pain that no one, unless they had been on the battlefield, could understand. The abandonment of the veterans still prevails within communities,including ours. Take the time to pull over and connect. Find the time to say hello, reach out your hand with love and respect.
It has been my honor to work alongside and help these brave people one step at a time. I could only leave my business card and five dollars with Mr. M and asked him to let us help him. I pray that I will hear from him. Beyond his beat-up appearance, I found a soft spoken man, and an unsung hero who still existing under the most difficult circumstances.
Think of this story the next time you see someone on the streets. Many times, it may be a veteran. Pick them up in heart and spirit. Help to make them whole again.
God bless.
Leslie
