Affect

[thoreau]

K - my assistant at work - and I were discussing the homeless in SF after my encounter with Granola Bar guy with Miss Kate the other morning. We were having lunch at Flames (a favorite of ours) and they accidentally gave K. two tunamelts. He kept it and handed it to me and said, "Why don't you take this to the park and give it to granola bar guy." and that's exactly what I did. I took the Haight bus home and stopped in the park - and Granola Bar Guy was in the same spot - accept rolling out his stuff for the night - rather than waking up. I said hi - he was washing up in the water fountain. I asked if he remembered my dog the other morning- and he said absolutely. I told him about K. and handed him the sandwich. His face lit up like a fireworks display! "Tuna Melts used to be my favorite. Thank you!" and I left him there to have dinner. When I hired K. back in December - I had no idea the partner-in-crime I was inviting into my life. This is just one of many K. inspired events I've been partial to. He and I share all sorts of conversation on our lunch excursions. I'm one of the first gay men he's ever hung out with - and we have conversations across the board. Today was really fine. Really fine.

Comments

[balanceinchaos.livejournal.com]

That's wonderful!

I do something similar when I'm asked for money by someone... if they say the need money for gas, I tell them "I'll buy your gas", if the say they need money for food, I tell them "I'll get you something to eat."

I just don't hand out money... and I've found that if the person is a scam artist, they won't accept my offer... if they really need what they're asking for, they accept.

you're a good doobie :D

[kbearblog.livejournal.com]

It's great to share; really that is what life is all about. Human kindness toward others brings joy and peace which we all seek and need desperately. K sounds like a human with an open spirit, a good friend to know.

[bembacolora.livejournal.com]

way cool. like the world should be.

[ubermunkey.livejournal.com]

beautiful moments that keep a beautiful life unfolding and on track

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[audrabaudra.livejournal.com]

It's true that the poor will always be with us (to paraphrase Jesus), but it's how we act toward the poor, toward the homeless -- and toward the "homed," too, for that matter -- that determines if we are members of a society or if we have been reduced to mere cogs in a grinding wheel, going 'round and 'round inside the dark satanic mills.

So let's hear it for the four-footed KateyDid (She did, she did!) who found Granola Bar Guy and thought he might be someone good to learn about. She's a wonderful citizen.

And let's hear it for K. and his inspiration. (The shared initial with your lovely doggish is no dumb coincidence, methinks.)

And let's hear it for the simple pleasures of the tuna melt and for sharing something nice simply because.

[pulsecub.livejournal.com]

Very cool, Bob. Sound like you've got a great assistant who's heart is even in the right place. :)

[gorkabear.livejournal.com]

Awesome story... Makes me believe again in humanity.

[nudewoody.livejournal.com]

It's like I tell my co-worker at the beanery, "Contrary to what they would have us believe, there IS enough for everyone. We just have to be willing to share!"

I like to buy the Street Sheet. It is a good source of alternative viewpoints. When I get some extra $, I plan on donating some of it to the Street Sheet, since all the $ from sales goes directly to the homeless.

[hereticsoul.livejournal.com]

What a wonderful thing in the middle of a nation filled with self-absorbed people who aren't even mindful of what's going on around them, much less have the presence of mind to serve another when they see the need and the opportunity, to hear this story.

You rock, Robert. I'm not the least surprised that you would do something wonderful like this. And K. is quite a find to inspire others like this. Just when I think I can't adore you any more than I do :)

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

I thought K was leaving for another job. Or is that someone else?

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

that was L - my video production person.

K - is the assistant web director whom I hired in December

[septimuswarren.livejournal.com]

This is really cool. Really cool.

[kc-risenphoenix.livejournal.com]

How wonderful that you fed Granola Bar guy.

(((HUG)))

That is compassion. People don't need our pity!