Down on His Luck

Saturday I went to a Kroger but I didn't go inside. We had my baby cousin Samuel with us so I waited outside. A gentleman wearing a blue parka coat like the one my dad probably had back in the seventies came walking up the side walk. He had gray hair and a gray beard and looked to be in his mid sixties. He was carrying a plastic bag. I think he would have walked right by but we made eye contact and he stopped to chat. Samuel is a some what good baby boy and he's very sensitive. He didn't cry or act up at all, so I knew this man was a good guy.
The gentleman told me he was down on his luck. He'd been living in the woods for months now. He didn't ask me for money but the hint was in the air. Briefly I paused and thought to myself how lucky I am. This man had heart. He told me about his journey through life. He had been in the United States Air force for a dozen years and worked as a top-notch aircraft mechanic. He had been married but his wife died and he turned to booze. I felt horrible, I just wanted to fade away. He liked Sam, he was making him laugh hysterically . Sammy is a very cranky baby! You'd have to have nerves of steel to reach in my window and tickle him. After we talked we shook hands and he went on his way. I had my mom's credit card but I didn't have a dollar on me. As soon as my family came out I headed for the nearest money machine I could find. I swear for cheese, we drove around for a half an hour trying to find the guy but I had no luck. Sometimes life can be pathetic. With the economy failing the way it is, we all need to work together and help each other out. If we don't we are all doomed.