The Human Connection

I wanted to share a few stories with you. They are both true stories. And I want to make it known now,that self glorification, kudos or "look at me" is not the goal with these stories. The goal is to share a human experience and how important human connections are.
The first one will be The Story of Robert and his Dog. The second will be the story of Chad.

The story of Robert and his Dog. I met Robert along the underpass on Van Buren Street while waiting for the light to turn green. He had no sign, he had no sad look on his face. He had a scruffy face, dirty clothes and a scruffy pup. He had a smile. I handed him some change and a bottle of water. He said thank you with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes. I waved as I pulled away. I would see Robert on the side of the road or by the corner 7eleven pulling his pup in the wagon behind his bicycle. Every chance I got I would give him some change or a bottle water. He is full of gratitude and a smile every time that we cross paths. I became worried for a bit when time passed and I had not seen him. One morning on my way to work I spotted him in the laundromat parking lot. I quickly pulled in and rolled my window down. I said "good morning Robert, I have been looking for you" and his reply was " uh oh, so is everyone" and he laughed the biggest belly laugh and made me laugh as well. I asked him how he had been and how his dog was. He told me that he had recently had a fall and had to go to the hospital for a week and luckily someone was able to look after his companion. He told me his story and how he has had the dog since he was a puppy. Not once did he ask me for anything. We just shared a great conversation. In parting, I gave him my lunch, a few bucks and some water. We exchanged names again and he thanked me multiple times. I pulled out of the parking lot feeling full of gratitude for this life that I live. I still come across Robert and his Dog frequently. One evening I saw him on my way to the grocery store. I asked him where he would be hanging out and he told me exactly where. He has his spots timed out so as to avoid trouble or harassment or cops. I went to the store and bought him a sandwich, fruit, crackers, a gallon of water and some dog food. When I pulled up alongside him and told him that I had some stuff for him, his eyes lit up. He smiled and thanked me a million times. He waved to my daughter and thanked her as well. Now every time that I see him, he waves and that makes me happy and feeling fortunate.

I recently met Chad on the Alma School Road off ramp. I was four lanes away from him and the light turned green. I felt compelled to give him something, anything. That morning I had packed myself a snack of watermelon and water. I drove 3 blocks to jump back onto the freeway and get off at the exit on his side of the street. When I stopped at the red light I noticed his sign. It said "Hello, I am Chad and I am homeless and a little hungry"
I called his name and said "hello Chad, my name is Tianne. I have some food and water for you if that would be alright?" He stood up and walked over to my van. He was unshaven and wrinkled from age and sun and he had a huge smile! I gave him my watermelon, a fork, some water and a few bucks. He talked to me for a minute and then my light turned green. I wished him safety and relief from the Arizona sun. He waved and yelled out "God bless you young lady". Tears flowed from my eyes as I turned the corner. Tears of gratitude.

I believe in the human connection. I believe in humanity. I believe that "whatever is hurtful to you, do not do that to any person"
I believe in being kind. I believe in treating people with respect and dignity until proven otherwise.

I choose to do what little that I can for those less fortunate because we could all find ourselves in a similar situation. I believe that a smile will brighten most peoples day.

I just wanted to share these stories with you. Again, I am not looking for praise. I wanted to share the stories since I did not feel that they were stories to be held in.

Please remember that not all people that you encounter on the side of the road are hustlers, or druggies. Please remember that we all are looking for love, acceptance, connections and life.

I leave you with peace, love and gratitude.