Today while running errands in Des Moines I saw a man who was rummaging through the garbage at the gas station. I watched him wondering if maybe he accidentally threw away something that he was supposed to keep. Then I realized that he was getting the cans out of the garbage can. Watching him do this made me so very sad. He was going from garbage can to garbage can. I sit in my car as it fills up wondering what circumstances brought him to where he is at in life.

I had a few cans in my car and walked over to him to give them to him. He must have thanked me 10 times for them. Once my car had filled up I started to drive off. My son and I were talking about it and how it must be terrible to be out in the cold in the middle of winter. My son had a hoodie in the car and asked if maybe he would want it. I told him it would be a great idea. I also had a $20 bill in my wallet. I told my son that we would give him both. So we pulled up besides him and gave him both. He kept asking what he could do to repay us. He wanted to to wash my windows on my car. I told him that we didnt want anything in return that I just wanted him to get himself a nice hot meal.

I have thought about that man all day long. I wonder if he goes to the homeless shelter. I just cant imagine what all he has been through. He was very worn and dirty. I just hope with the impending storm that he is able to find some shelter.