Who could so easily be you or I.
A friend of mine was telling us about the Florida Keys Outreach Coalition and their annual National Homeless Person’s Memorial Day service held on the longest night of the year to remember those who died homeless as paupers. By “remembering those who have died on the streets, the cause of ending homelessness is kept urgent; as is the community’s collective commitment to preventing such deaths in the future.” More on commemorating the homeless and what happens when they die, here.
And have you seen the old man
Outside the seaman’s mission
Memory fading with
The medal ribbons that he wears.
In our winter city,
The rain cries a little pity
For one more forgotten hero
And a world that doesn’t care
Thnakyou.xo
Good to hear from you Susan.
Such a sad thought of that old man with his medals. The homeless are that way every day and not just at Christmas. I appreciate your reminder.
Syd our national unemployment figures currently run at 25%, so we have vast numbers of near-destitute and homeless people. It is a terrible way to live — and die.
Hey, Happy Christmas to you! Hope you have a wonderful feast of love and good food over the next few days xxx
And the same to you Mrs D — is this your first sober Christmas or the second?
Gratitude for what I have in my life. I concentrate on what is not working but I have much to be thankful for. Last night a woman came up to me and wanted money as I was pumping gas. I was upset she was asking at the wrong time with the wrong attitude…She looked drugged up and needing a fix. I wasn’t very kind to her trying to ignore the situation and get out of the station.
Fortunately I went to a meeting and was able to welcome newcomers.
I hope to bring more compassion to those in need.
Pema Chodren
THE PRACTICE OF TONGLEN
In order to have compassion for others, we have to have compassion for ourselves.
In particular, to care about other people who are fearful, angry, jealous, overpowered by addictions of all kinds, arrogant, proud, miserly, selfish, mean —you name it— to have compassion and to care for these people, means not to run from the pain of finding these things in ourselves. In fact, one’s whole attitude toward pain can change. Instead of fending it off and hiding from it, one could open one’s heart and allow oneself to feel that pain, feel it as something that will soften and purify us and make us far more loving and kind.
Great quote Dee and I think we all feel ambivalent about the homeless addicts and alcoholics on our streets.
Oh Mary that song is very close to my heart- there is one part that mentions the ‘bag’ lady that was me for a period – I am so grateful today just to wake up still breathing everything else is a big bonus – Christmas Blessings to you and yours love and hugs Wendy
Your story amazes me Wendy and I’m glad to be sharing the journey with you
Bitter sweet and beautiful reminder.
Thanks Jan — a topic very close to my heart out here.
Thanks for this Mary. I’ve spent a lot of time in the Keyes, and there are indeed many homeless who go there to “winter” because of the mild weather. It is jarring to see the million dollar homes contrasted with huddled, homeless bodies under dirty blankets across the street. I love how this group of people does something tangible to help, instead of just lamenting about it.
Best holiday wishes to you and yours.