I rarely unlurk these days
But I am glad you saw him to put your mind at rest.

And It is just another bit of evidence to us comfortable fat LUCKY buggers that the poor sods you see on the bones of thier arse living on the street can come back from it if some one will give them a go.

I could never walk past someone living out of a rucksack in a shop doorway without saying hi and giving them enough for a hot drink and a bag of chips.

If they spend it on that, or just go and get another tin of special brew instead, who the hell am I to judge; its their choice, probably one of the few remaing choices they have at that point. If they go for the booze option, at least I have helped them blur their wretched existance for a couple of hours.

The fact is ... a lot of them recover and come back, especially the younger ones. we just need to remember they are human, just like you and give them just a little time and respect. One of the guys I used to see around town and talk to (who is back on his feet .. rah!) told me that a two minute chat with someone meant way more than anything. He was so isolated from the rest of the world that just a simple acknowledement that he existed and was worthy of talking to kept him sane.

One day, they will not spend it on a bottle of popov vodka, they will get the help they desparately need and happy endings do happen.

I am so glad to read this one.


Next time you are out and about, you don't have to adopt them and listen to their life story or anything, but just a nod and a smile, and maybe "Hi, you ok?" can mean the world.
( RadG Drinking Mojitos in the sun, Fri 24 Jul 2009, 19:09, Reply)