A one-legged, scraggly, wheelchair-bound, dirty woman so beautiful

How could it be?

She was at the end of the crosswalk opposite the Capitol-- where the powerful pass to meet with lobbyists and shmooze over lunch-- digging through the garbage can. In a wheelchair with scraggly long hair and dirty, about 50 with one leg and bad teeth. As I walk by, she has found a morsel and is munching on the leavings from the bin.

And I step into the nearest overpriced sandwich shop and buy the meatiest thing I can find and a V-8. She's gone when I come out. Go to the sidewalk and there she is, wheeling her way toward the Senator Hotel and the Hyatt where the Gubernator lives when he's not in Hollywood. I catch up and say, "Ma'am?" She stops and turns. "I bought you some lunch-- a sandwich and a drink..........."




And her fat, dentally-challenged, dirty face looks up at me with the open, beatific, non-agenda-ed smile of an angel and says to me "Oh, thank you!" and takes the offered bag.

"Go'bless."

And I walk away, teary, stunned by how beautiful she was.

mantra, for everyone in this country,black/white/rich/poor/, the US would be a better place.

:thumbsup:

n/t

You did a beautiful thing.

I mighta thought I was her angel





but she was mine

graduation and everything that event demanded.

That, and just EVERYTHING that's happened that's left me so freakin' NUMB. EVERYTHING going great for the bad guys and precious little for the rest of us. I'm just numb. I need some chocolate - BIGTIME!

Thanks for asking, though.

Let me say again that this was a beautiful story. We need to remember what and whom we're really fighting for. And yes, YOU were an angel today, too.

Hugs!

bless you child.

peace,
dp

And know what you mean. It is oh so special when we encounter the least. Then we find out they are grand.

"It is oh so special when we encounter the least. Then we find out they are grand."

And the Hate Wing "Christians" call us names like "bleeding heart"? :freak: :crazy:

The sad irony of it all...
:grr:

May they all rot in hell for their inhumanity to their fellow man.
Bless you Omega.I always stop and give money to the homeless.If they buy booze that is their choice.It is not my right to judge

that grows and grows............43 acres of historic gardens and heritage trees now sliced and diced by a terrorist-era fence of posts and hydraulic barriers, softened with the Vaseline glow of benches and cement (barrier pop-up blockade) planters filled with flowers.


They're SO special
:sarcasm:

and a homeless man was there drinking his beer. We struck up a conversation and he offered me his beer. I declined. But I thought, that is very generous. That's the way they are. Decent. Yes, it should be a lesson to us all.

Used to be they were WWII vets, up thru the 1990's, until age and "revitalization" of downtowns and destruction of single-occupancy hotels to make room for "Loft Living!!" wiped them off the face of the planet and out of the minds of the suburbanites who want to feel "safe" coming downtown and the city councils that want to make it "safe" for them to spend their money.

Now it's the Viet Nam vets who haunt the benches and ride around on loaded down bikes lookin like old hippies, who stand over the VN map embedded in the ground at the memorial saying "That's where I was..." to nobody there.

What new crop of homeless, maimed, emotionally/mentally ill veterans has Bushco. created? How long will it take for them to become invisible or swept off the city's face to make room for the next cycle of yuppie trends and the next wave of abandoned veterans.

"Do not rob the poor, because he is poor,
or crush the afflicted at the gate;
for the Lord will plead their cause
and despoil of life those who despoil them."

....it only has to start with 'one'.

Peace

edit: decided to add the word 'not'.....I was fooled by this post. I don't believe I would want omega minimo to be one of our senators. One sentiment, unsubstantiated, fooled me for a moment.....I don't like being played for a fool.

of voices behind that one (which there is).....and then, well, that cacophony refuses to "NOT BE MARGINALIZED" <--------- that's the part that we much FIGHT. Refuse to be marginalized/ignored.

:patriot:

And what did the rest of us do on our lunch break today?

:rofl:




I'm on vacation. I have the luxury to take the time to be human :grouphug:

Are you saying only the RICH have the time/money/leisure to be generous?

If that's what you think, you understand nothing.......roll on the floor laughing all you want - while it lasts.

:rofl:

:puke:

"never been on the receiving end.............their lack of understanding doesn't make them better..................."


I found the experience humbling.



Which is why I laughed when someone asked "And what did the rest of us do on our lunch break today?" and why I find the love showing up in this thread as purely delightful :rofl: as the woman's expression was purely pure.

:grouphug:

Why are you spewing? Your posts seem way out of context and if anyone is confused it is the rest of us who don't know what you are making fun of. Spewing? For what?

That's not what she's saying AT ALL.

The OP is a known Progressive on this board. Why are you trashing her for something she didn't say nor do?

a contest- nor is it in the least a threat to most folks- rather an inspiration.
That OM saw this opportunity, heard that call inside, and acted on it, risking that her act of compassion and love could have been met with angry pride, or defensive shame or any number of things, and that this woman, gifted OM with joy, and in the spirit the gift was given recieved it FULLY makes this a win/win, in my view. (having been on both ends of this experience, it IS easier to give than recieve)


What ever is making you feel unworthy in the face of this inspiring encounter isn't worth carrying around- Please don't listen to the voice of 'oh, yeah, and what have YOU done thats worthy today' voices that play in your head- turn them off- they are stealing your joy and your potential.

OM replied with humor, and attempted to minimize her position in this- trying to help you feel less ... guilty... not good enough???- I think you took it the wrong way- I hope you'll give yourself some space, and look at this again later- You've got much to share, and i'm sure you do in many ways even when you don't realize it - WE are the only ones keeping score of ourselves- and if that's why we do what we do, maybe we need to stop 'doing' and start 'being' who 'we' really are-

peace,
blu

That tears at my heart.

You are also the beautiful one. In the spirit of all of those on this forum, I want to add. And that makes me pretty happy, despite how hard it is to think of her life.

If I said what I feel right now this post would be a book. You are a wonderful person. And I will tell you what an old man told me. This is right after 9/11 when the war talk was beginning. And I told this old man what I felt about it. He had tomatoes that he was selling. There was a bag on his fence with tomatoes in it. You would take the tomatoes, and then put money in the other bag that was there. Total trust. And the best tomatoes I've had since I was a child. I could tell he was a kind and thoughtful man, and that's why I brought up the subject of what I thought about the war talk. We both felt that war was the wrong thing.

He said, "Love is reflected in love.".

"....that's True Love and Home Grown Tomatoes......"

Is that a song or just a really cool saying?

"Love is reflected in love." A different me earlier today might have ranted about "elitism" that I have recently and reluctantly noticed............. but that gorgeous wisdom cuts right through all the crap and proves the point that down home Americanism still exists and still has some genuine resonance.

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

Welcome to DU



:rofl:

Her thanks, given simply and gracefully, reflects on you both. You had the insight to respond to her need, and I truly thank you for sharing your experience.

"No good deed goes unpunished." And you put heavy emphasis on *punish*.

(and i count at least 11 disparaging comments to the OP, so you are one up)

feel better?


enjoy DU.
dp

Did somebody run over your puppy this morning or something? :eyes:

The woman genuinely wanted to help out the empoverished lady and had nothing but good intentions in her heart. Perhaps she didn't want to make the lady drag her way back to the shop - which may not have even let her in.

I think her intentions are clear - she did something good and wanted to share her story to encourage others to do the same. Yes, there are better ways of going about this, but we needn't attack somebody who was just trying to help!

And colonizers always want to improve the lives of their subjects.

What I got out of this post, as well...

What life is like around that well-protected, lobbyist-rich, wealthiest lawmakers section of that town. In other words, poverty should not be when so many have so much.

I to agree with purduejake. It was a genuine helping hand. But the real story lies within the build-up of those adjectives -- to explain that homeless, disabled woman whom received not so much by higher-up's standards, still she was grateful, and humble.

there and dont know what the person was really feeling.My son was a vet who had his foot amputated and sometimes he went hungry and yes sometimes he drank too much but i would say thank you a a million times to anyone who helped him.He died 2 years ago leaving me with a broken heart and compassion for anyone who was hurting and needing help.We are our brothers keepers ,never forget that!!!!

Funny how people don't get it. :shrug:

Gloating about it on a message board is not.

You, along with other posters, totally missed the point of the OP's post. Her post is not about HER, it's about the woman... and about those who walked among her without seeing her.

and has been comparing herself to Christ, and you haven't bothered to correct anyone who has been giving attention to o.m. instead of the beautiful lady in the wheelchair or the homelessness problem in this country.

I'm one of those who is posting to say that the OP struck me as just a tad over the top and self-serving.
I hope you can respect a respectful but different point of view than yours. It's amazing how quickly a holier than thou mob can turn so proudly ugly all the while throwing in quips about God, angels and Jesus.
It's truly amazing.

I say we should try to find the woman and buy her a new wheelchair or even a prosthetic leg if she'd want one. Let's meet at the sandwich shop near the crosswalk across from the Capitol.

Jesus worked with just such folks as this woman and served them with love.

My first response to the sanctimonious sourpusses who are blind to the point of the story is to laugh out loud. I don't know what their vested interest in criticizing me is-- that's their problem. The most I have said about myself is that I have compassion for them "and they can't stop me" (for the levity-challenged, that's supposed to be humorous also).

However, I am going to answer you because you are going as far as to LIE and accuse me of "comparing herself to Christ."

Those who have "given attention to o.m." are the ones who understand that the connection, the purity of giving/receiving openly, the surprise of getting emotional at a beautiful smile (which is what I thought I'd get flamed for, if anything) is inspiring and inspired others here.

It's those who can't grasp that that have some confused need to attack it and consider it "over the top and self-serving."

It is they who appear "amazing how quickly a holier than thou mob can turn so proudly ugly."

It's fine if people wanna think there's a "right" way or a "better" way to do what I did. So do it! I did what I did. I told a story. I described "relishingly." I learned not to use a phrase that offends some folks. I shared the fact that the human spirit shone out of that poor woman's face and shocked me to tears. So sue me.

"I say we should try to find the woman and buy her a new wheelchair or even a prosthetic leg if she'd want one. Let's meet at the sandwich shop near the crosswalk across from the Capitol."

You are quite welcome. I think she's a regular down there. (One corner up from where Jesus hangs out :evilgrin: ) Or there will be someone else in need you can help in whatever way you approve of. You can even keep it to yourself and not tell anyone about it, which will prove that you are REALLY virtuous and deserving of ALL the attention that you won't get..............


Who knows, maybe even one of the powerbrokers from the Dome will need help and you'll be right there, an angel in disguise.

B-)

What was the name of the sandwich shop?

But I believe these people have never 'been in that position', so they can't possibly understand what it feels like to be 'on the receiving end.

Their lack of understanding definitly DOESN'T make them 'better', if fact, it amkes them 'worse'.

...There, but be it for the grace of G-d, go I.......

of trash makes you feel bad? Having people care is bad? So, it would have made that lady feel better to be ignored and treated like a streetlamp? Hmmm.... funny.... I've been in a financial position before where I have been on the receiving end of people's charity -- both sincere and heartfelt and self-righteous. I didn't give a damn what their motives were, as long as it kept me fed and helped me keep hold of a borderline-tenement apartment.

Just because there are people on this board who have never wanted doesn't make us any less compassionate. As a matter of fact, I'll place my generosity against yours any day of the fucking week. And, you know what? I'll come out way the fuck ahead of you.

.... no problem calling OM "these people"... but big problem disecting two acts of kindness by harping on the 'names' and 'details'????

Come on people.... can we not see something beautiful and simply be moved by it? Does everything have to be 'suspect'??? OM used the words she used, because that is the way this 'america' defines the sister she saw sitting in the wheelchair. To the world- and obviously to you, and the post you are reaffirming, it IS 'them' and 'us'-- YES OM DID go out of her way do give this woman not cast-offs, not 'make-do' but THE BEST SHE COULD GET- why? I believe it is because she was able to morph into that woman, and feel the hunger, and the desperation that she felt- And the treatment OM gave this woman, was what she herself would have been tickled to recieve-
The woman who recieved obviously saw the gift for what it was- not 'charity' not a 'do-good' 'feel-good' opportunity, but that CONNECTION that still exists withing us, no matter how hard this society seeks to seperate, marginalize, and divide us- ON BOTH sides.

And having been the recipient of this kind of giving more times than I deserve, would like, or can count, I gotta tell you, the reception that was given this gift was proof of the purity and common bonds which inspired the giving.-

This world is full enough of darkness and division, can't we unite in joy, and happiness over something as beautifully simple and poigniantly powerful as being a part of one another? In the small acts of giving and recieving. No strings, no shame- simply connecting???

we all seem to need a major enema-

a former welfare 'queen' (you should see my crown)
High school only,divorced single mom,
soon to be 'white-trailer trash'- (if I'm lucky)
bleeding heart liberal
sister to the world-
and seeker of what truly matters

blu

Congrats on becoming "trailer trash"! It's great to have your own place.

And, thanks for your perspective.

I'll be moved by whatever I feel like.

I hope so- telling someone "Don't order me around" is kind of like an oxymoron isn't it?
I'm not telling you what to feel- and even if I was, I have no control over what moves you or not.
I was encourageing people to look at this as what I believe it was, a beautiful act between two beautiful people.
And I TOO have been there- on BOTH sides. The reciepent of unexpected kindness, and the receipent of unexpected kindness, in which I was put into what became a very uncomfortable, and shaming position of having someone take me to a store and have me pick out some essentials.- It wasn't their intention to make me uncomfortable I believe, but none the less, that was the result. The looks and comments and akwardness was difficult for both of us... but I AM grateful, and will always remember that generous action, and yet, also how it felt to be on the end I was. I also know that when I've recieved boxes of groceries out of the blue, my family and I learned to try new things, and for those that we just couldn't use, we were able to share with others.- My father always used to say you shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth, and he was right, but if someone offers me a horse, and I complain that I wanted to pick out the color, or that it was the wrong breed, then I guess maybe my need for a horse, was less dire than my need to have everything 'just so'- my way or the highway kind of thinking.- That is MY perspective, of what I believe- Not something you must embrace.

Our perspectives may be different, but can we agree that this world could use a lot more kindness???
I hope so.

And you aren't being 'ordered' to agree with me-
That is entirely up to you.

peace,
blu

I didn't read your whole post. I was addressing the first sentence. You seem like a kind person. I apologize.

Why the hostility in your posts? I'm honestly curious.

I have, and I was grateful that I was able to communicate to the kind stranger what I needed, rather than have something thrown in my face. I was also able to repay my kind stranger with a non-monetary reward. Something for nothing is a Dire Straits song.

lately? Nevermind. You're too busy trashing others' motives. :eyes:

whatever

...may reflect the view of the woman omega bought lunch for. Who knows?

But for what it's worth, one time I did something similar, and (being the good middle-class bleeding-heart liberal I am,) I said something along the lines of "I wish I could do more, I hope I haven't offended you or anything..." (I don't remember the exact words, it was some time ago.)

The guy, who was wearing really scruffy (and smelly, too) camo and looked like he might be a vet, sort of grinned at me and shrugged. He said something along the lines of 'Nah, don't worry, I'm just glad to get a real meal, honey,' or something along those lines, and then as I was leaving he said something else, something else I remember EXACTLY, because it really hit me in the gut. He said:

"Hell, honey, at least you bothered to LOOK. The ones who offend me are the ones who pretend they don't see me. I don't even mind the ones who make faces as much as the ones with the sudden hundred-yard stares."

And he laughed and tucked the food away and I don't know if he ate it or threw it away or what, but I had the feeling that he'd done me a favor.

Charitable impulses may be realized clumsily, they may be bound up and tainted with self-interest and ego gratification, but aren't they better than pretending there is no need for charitable impulses at all?

curiously,
Bright

You nailed it.

"Charitable impulses may be realized clumsily, they may be bound up and tainted with self-interest and ego gratification, but aren't they better than pretending there is no need for charitable impulses at all?"

:toast:

:toast:

we keep doing it. It's called "practice". :)

;) :onehandclapping:

to note what this man said to you--

People who look through you, when you are in need, are the most painful- better to elicit a negative response, then to believe you have become so close to 'nothing' in some folks eyes that you don't exist for them-

Also, the woman in the wheelchair was asked to do nothing more than RECIEVE- she didn't have to explain, she wasn't put through hoops by being taken into some resturant so that she would be almost certianly feel self concious, be stared at, have to make converstation with a total stranger while waiting for something to eat.... and wonder what the 'agenda' was.....
I think what OM did was perfect. If she wanted to savor her meal right then and there, share it with someone, or bring it back to her own private spot and enjoy it, was left up to her- It was the neatest, sweetest way of filling the immediate need, without requiring any 'performance''-

Just like what you did Tyger, the man you exchanged gifts with, didn't have to perform for you, or explain himself-

I've been there. Hope to be able to be on the giving end more often- but am glad that there are people who really 'understand'- on both sides- on all sides.

peace,
blu

It is something we humans have to do, eat. What did you have for dinner? Did you share? Some people are HUNGRY. That's why they dig through dumpsters to find food. Get it? Don't come down on this poster. How dare you. He fed someone who was hungry. But you find fault? Pharisee.

Enjoy your stay here.

The OP is none on this board as a good Progressive who is a staunch supporter of social justice. Who are you? What did you do for someone today? Piss on them when they said they were hot?

Like glass. Absolutely like glass.

Are you kidding? Was the OP supposed to pull lunch out of his ass? I think what the OP did was incredibly kind and generous.

What did YOU do yesterday for a hungry person? Yeah, I thought so. :eyes:

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

There seem to be so many of these posts lately. Just where did they spray the raid to make them come out into the light here?

7 posts.:bounce:

But, this is a close second...

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

Someone did something good for a person in need, and that's how you respond????

If you cannna fin' you head, put you hatta you neck.

If so, get a freaking grip!

I understand your points -- but since they were so viciously made I can only feel sorry for having read them.

I've never read anything so disturbing at DU, EVER.

It takes a truckload of venom in your heart, to read the OP and
come away with what you did.

I hope you find the peace you so desperately need.

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

Ella Wheeler Wilcox :)

On edit; good on you o m. I loved your story and I am really confused at the things who piled on here.

What rock turned over and exposed its dirty underbelly?

understand that I am not posting about how great I am--- but about how great she is.

is a failure to communicate..."









Kids are safely home from Bonnaroo so I'm a happy mom. Some of those posts just crack me up, though, and i hadda say something. ;)

I had never heard of her before
http://ellawheelerwilcox.wwwhubs.com/
Of course, I had to find that she is related to me too - an eighth cousin of my g.g. grandfather, and a cheesehead too as they were both from Rock County, Wisconsin

The people trashing OM on this thread are just subhuman scum.

I was abused for many, many years by parents just like these assholes. Fucknuts, one and all.

May they one day be in her position, so they can know how it feels to see people just walk on past.

No woman or human being should have to live that way, especially one who obviously would have a hard time finding work because of her disability. She probably has some mental dysfunctions too, which makes it hard for people like her to negotiate the social services network. I have promised myself that if we get the government back that I will work very hard to harass my lawmakers to pass the social laws we need to reach out to these people and give them the health care and shelter that they deserve.

was so clear of any "agenda" and any of the troll BS someone tried to lay on here about how there's "different" ways to go about this...............or NOT.

She was so pure. The purity of that moment was striking, which is why I posted this.


Love to see ya Cleita :hi:

that's beautiful.

I've had a couple of experiences like this. To me, I felt as though I had an encounter with the divine. You will never forget her. :)

:yourock:

The Republicans think you're an asshole.





And I...I am speechless. Thank you. You are one in a million. :patriot:

and you made me LOL :toast: "The Republicans think you're an asshole." Right-- classic bleedin heart liberal time.............. they will never know Beauty.

And PROUD of it! :toast:

OIL?

that at least I have a heart to bleed! The Repukes just have a cash box.

This story is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing it! Too bad it brought out some trolls - or maybe it's good, because now they've outed themselves! (Really, they just can't help themselves, can they?)

One of my favorite sayings.

We need more people like the OP.

and "them." You see this fact validated by the negative responses in this thread.

I was struck by her lack of one



:hi:

Your kindness was evident in your post. That was it, as far as I could see. And I applaud your courage. You took a chance and affected someone's life, today. It wasn't a huge thing, but courageous, nonetheless, which meant a lot to me, and did, no doubt, as well, to the woman whose life you touched. Kudos to you.:-)

With us or against us, eh?

I think responses that you're calling "negative" in this thread are from progressives.
I think the responses that have been deleted are from a few progressives behaving in an embarrassingly negative way to difference of opinion.
I think that there are left wingers and right wingers who give a lot of money to charity and who practice random acts of authentic altruism.

The world isn't so black and white, just like it isn't so red, white and blue.

and those who choose to judge her


The difference b/w those who identify with my story and those who choose to judge me

and I'm afraid I don't understand your point.
Did you understand mine?

And made me cry...;(

...at some of the posts here.

We laugh at incongruity, or with delight, but we also laugh at sudden enlightenment: "Why didn't I see this before?!" Aged Sarah laughed aloud when the angel told her she had conceived a son.

You met Buddha or Christ or an angel along the way, and your response was to treat "the least of these" as a meeting with the divine. Nothing you did demeaned the moment or the recipient.

You shared the story (Thank You!), but not all are ready to hear it. They have ears but they hear not, and eyes but they see not.

I know I was reminded of something I need to do -- really look at the people on the streets of my own town.

:hug: to you and :grouphug: to our friends here now. You've all made me smile tonight.

Hekate

This made my day :yourock:

similar experience once long ago and it launched new thinking in me. :thumbsup:

The Divine meeting itself. I offer this from Lao-tsu in reply:

The best are like water
bringing help to all
without competing
choosing what others avoid
hence approaching the Tao
dwelling with earth
thinking with depth
helping with kindness
speaking with truth
governing with peace
working with skill
moving with time
and because they don’t compete
they aren’t maligned.

:loveya:

"The best is like water......."

As I read the comments about when and how and if we help in a situation like that, clumsy or not, having "been there" or not, I realize that the proximity is what made my action immediate. She wasn't across the street, she was RIGHT THERE. And yes, that is literally a POWER SPOT-- the place where deals are done as peacock men in $1,000 shoes gaze at the golden Dome and negotiate while waiting for the light to change.

So it occurs to me that some of us may walk by her and be disgusted and some may be struck by "what if that were me?" Or simply, that is a human being, I can help and I will.

:grouphug:

We should all follow your example.

.

I also have a problem with "look at me! I had a Moment!" charity.

In so many words, donate to the poor, but certainly don't go about making a big deal of it.

However, I cannot argue with this poster's actions, and i applaud them.

It's the running to a BB and posting a relishingly offensive description of the woman that gets me.

But, again, the sentiment is worthy.

! :think: ! Why THANK you! "Relishingly..........." WOW :wow:


Clearly you relish your offendedness :hi:

I guess you don't believe me and that you think i'm being hostile.

no, we DON'T believe you, and YES, you're acting like a jerk.

Any questions?

What is so hostile about an honest criticism?

Your offensiveness and your offendedness. That's clear. What you're describing is not.

The people here who "get it" identify with the woman as a human and the simple act of kindness.

The ones who are huffy about MY motivations would probably keep that protective judgemental distance around them as they walked by on the light and didn't even notice her.

And there would be no story to tell.

Speaking of OP headlines that "suffice" don't you have a coupla dozen to write today? :shrug:

Truly, I'm not finding fault with what you did. I know people who are the same shape as that lady, and maybe it doesn't help to use that kind of language in regard to the disabled.

it's a trend, like on family guy and south park and other movies, i'm sure the lady wouldn't like to be referred to in those terms to her face.

I DO admire what you did, I hope you believe me.

It's not a trend, it's a story. And a "relishingly" descriptive phrase.

Or did you call her the things you called her to us? Scraggly is an insult, so is dirty, and there are several DUers here who take offense at the term "wheelchair bound" as a put down.

I'm just sayin', it's offensive language to use for a minority group, or groups to call them these things.

This woman is homeless and in "relishingly" describing her condition in contrast to her beauty in a one line OP title, I used the word "bound" because IT IS PROBABLY HER HOME and she is bound to it in many senses of the word. IS THAT ALL RIGHT WITH YOU?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will not defend my use of adjectives or "rough" language to you.

Thankyouverymuch.

The word cripple used to the the common phrase, it's been replaced by disabled, or whatever but I am actually, permanently bound to a wheelchair myself, and I'm old, and I'm scraggly as well, but I'd punch anybody that said any of that to my face.

"forgiving" me.

As vivid as my one line word picture (with the power to hurt unintentionally) the really sad part is that her dirtiness, scraggliness, toothlessness, leglessness, homelessness and wheelchair render her nearly invisible.

:peace:

Or is that offending other people as a defense mechanism?

Funny that someone runnin up their (empty) post count is talking about "look at me" moments

:yoiks:
:sarcasm:

I don't keep quiet when I see something offensive, no matter what my post count.

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

They are out in full force on this thread....

But there's no denying the place is invaded, but I'm not one of 'them' thank you.

There's lots of other people on this thread that didn't temper their remarks as you did. Some of them are very nasty and sooo transparent.

Dissenting opinions don't automatically make you a troll or one of them. Maybe you didn't mean me personally, I'm just upset by the language is all, not the wonderful act of charity, which I have repeatedly praised here.

Read some of the nasty posts on here in regards to the OP. I don't agree with your posts, but as I said, you tempered them. There are many posts on here, many from low-post/very new posters which are vicious and completely over the top. I agreed with the poster I responded to that there are some sickening posts on here -- very Freeperish. I've put them on ignore. You are, as you can tell, not on ignore.

YOU inferred, I didn't imply. Infer is an action YOU take.

I applaud the poster's charity, it really is awesome that there are people who are willing to help others. I know that much of the description was to put us in the moment, but some of the words were just a tad offensive. I say to do good and do it without descriptions. I know that many will think that I'm bashing a person who did a kind deed and that is not my purpose, I just hope that people who are sitting in air-conditioned places, with technology that costs more than a years worth of meals for that one lady will think twice before they pat themselves on the back for one kind deed.

It's HOT here :evilgrin:



"I know that much of the description was to put us in the moment, but some of the words were just a tad offensive."

That's fair

"I say to do good and do it without descriptions."

That could be your sigline. :rofl: Sorry, but no descriptions? :rofl: not bloody likely!

I think what you did was wonderful and perhaps I should have just left it at that.

I don't know that you are one, but it doesn't matter, what you did was very thoughtful, and I forgive your rough language in relaying it, I'm also recommending your thread.

I love you.

my "relishingly" "rough language" :rofl:

I honestly do.

vinegar

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part of this community with you. God Bless You for your generosity. And to those disparaging your intention on this thread...generosity comes from the heart, not the wallet and you should all be ashamed.

since you thought to do this.

I do stuff like this all the time BECAUSE I've never been poor.

an old woman, wearing little more than a shawl, shivering, sitting at the base of the Kremlin wall beggin. I bought the babusca a bag lunch and gave it to her. It was like 5 rubles or something small.

Spacebo! Spacebo! She cluctched my hands and repeated over and over, tears running down her face. I had to turn and walk away quickly as I had tears running down mine too.

:thumbsup:

Catches you off guard, doesn't it? I'd no idea my heart would be pierced by her expression

:toast: nazdrovya

I was at an ATM late one night, depositing a cheque, when an elderly homeless woman approached me and asked for money. I was a little scared, so I was cold to her, and she went away. Seeing her walk away in that forlorn, dejected manner made me feel awful. So I finished depositing the cheque and took out $20 (I had no other cash on me). I looked for her, but she was gone. I walked around and finally found her, and handed her the money, apologizing for not being able to do more. She gave me the most beautiful and radiant smile I've ever seen. She was extremely old and had lost most of her teeth, but she was unbelievably beautiful. She held my hands, said, "God bless you," and then we parted. I've never forgotten that smile. I know what you mean about the beautiful, toothless smile. Describing it may seem offensive, but there is no other way of explaining the situation. Here is someone most people would find ugly and repulsive, and yet if you look at her face, you see pure beauty. I went home and thought about how scary it must be to be homeless as an old woman, to have no safe place to go at night -- who knows what she has suffered in her life. The amount of pain and suffering in the world makes life seem so meaningless.

Some people may say that she probably bought alcohol or drugs with that money. I strongly doubt it, but even if she did, that's none of my business. And I didn't give her money because I'm a philanthropist -- I did it because I felt horrible about rejecting her earlier and wanted to show that she did matter to me. I'm sure some people would say I did this to feel superior, but I'm a poor graduate student and don't have so much money that I can throw away $20 bills just to feel good. Furthermore, I didn't feel pleased with myself afterwards. I felt awful, because $20 is nothing; I'm sure no amount I could have spared, even if I had been rich, would have been enough to make a real difference in her life. This sort of experience makes you realize how powerless one person is in the face of all the unfairness and suffering in the world.

And, giving her that nice lunch on a nasty day did nothing but offend her, because she would rather have went hungry all day then have someone say a kind word to her and give her a meal... or haven't you read some of the posts on this thread?

:sarcasm:

to broadcast your good deed all over the place and pat yourself on the back! You...you...horrible person! How dare you help someone in need??!! :sarcasm:

:shrug:

While they root through garbage cans for substance. I mean, some on.... how dare you take away their human right to dignity and compassion that way?

of others.
Perhaps simple honesty of suffering when so starkly revealed as was your wheel chair bound woman, can be equated to beauty because you yourself were open to it.

How many others didn't see her suffering at all and walked on past into the deli?

Our actions are our only true belongings, and yours was a treasured and endeared to the woman, you should feel good about that.

and a lot of love reflected in this thread.


Her condition was suffering and somehow her smile was at peace.

:grouphug:

:thumbsup: :hi:

:bounce: cool too that some of my favorite old nemesi (is that a wurd) have checked in and said hey on this common ground. :thumbsup:

Maybe I'm included in that? LOL

Though I didn't care much for some of the adjectives used, I know that's petty in the overall sentiment of the story which I believe to be genuine.

I lived in my car through two winters, including the one some considered to be the worst in the year of 93-94. I hung on to life countless numbers of times and yet all I got was abused by cops and shunned by the more fortunate.

So I will appreciate anybody who casts out a kind hand as opposed to a damaging phone call of "get this scum out of my sight".

living truly is.
And is what makes me love this tired old world-

Your gift was given, her gift to you, was in opening herself to recieve, and that beaming beauty you saw as she was recieving it, was your reflection.

You have touched on what really matters most- so wonderfully- thank you for giving my weary soul such a boost-

Thanks for living with your eyes and your heart wide open, even knowing the risks.

peace,
blu

glad you nominate your post- along with many who have already done so.

the truly wonderful people here but perhaps something we are all trying to negotiate:

trying to stay sane amidst the insanity

trying to pay attention to the big picture while living in the up close and personal

trying to be "the change we want to see in the world" while POLITICALLY we feel completely hog-tied

trying not to feel completely helpless in the face of what is being perpetrated in our name


"Thanks for living with your eyes and your heart wide open, even knowing the risks."

really made my ...week... with this entire thread.
Even the negative replies help to enlarge the picture, and show us things we need to know.

Thank you for being who you are- and for sharing that exactly the way you did- with everyone.

:grouphug:
peace,
blu

I know she's old history- but these words from Jewel sing in my head-

...
I was thinking that it might do some good

If we robbed the cynics and took all their food

That way what they believe will have taken place

And we can give it to people who have some faith

So please be careful with me, I'm sensitive

And I'd like to stay that way.

I have this theory that if we're told we're bad

Then that's the only idea we'll ever have

But maybe if we are surrounded in beauty

Someday we will become what we see

'Cause anyone can start a conflict

it's harder yet to disregard it

I'd rather see the world from another angle

We are everyday angels

Be careful with me 'cause I'd like to stay that way"

I'll be scratching my head all day as to why this has drawn vitriol from some of the respondents. Guess DU is such a big tent that cockroaches are inevitable...

That you've handled the negativity with humor and grace is a testament to your character.

You've got a good heart.:patriot:

so that you won't have to scratch your head for very long.

As a disabled person, the description of the lady (A one-legged, scraggly, wheelchair-bound woman) was offensive to me.

If you're not disabled, you can not understand what it feels like to live in this society when you are disabled.

I have forgotten how many dozens of times I have requested the following on this board for the past five years:

PLEASE DO NOT USE THE TERM "WHEELCHAIRBOUND". The connotation is that a person that uses a wheelchair, is bound by ropes, chains, restraints, etc. And it elicits pity.

Damnit! It is difficult enough to live in a society of ablebodied people, w/o further insult.

In short, it was the description, not the wonderful intent that has raised ire on this thread, IMHO.

those it may offend. I have not seen this mentioned on DU before and didn't know that that phrase stung so much.

In this case, this woman's life and body are bound by many constraints. She is out on the street. Who knows where she goes and what better place to be she has to be than in that chair. In this instance, maybe that desriptive phrase is appropriate-- and the unfortunate cliche has become objectionable. I will not use it. Thank you.

Sensitivity to terminology is one thing - and FWIW, I worked with physically and mentally challenged children & adults for years, and I know a lot of them would be dismayed by your use of the term disabled, for example. Then again, this was some years ago, and the place I worked was known as a "multi-handicapped unit", a description that would now be treated with derision by most enlightened people, I think.

No, my problem was with the accusations of self-aggrandizement by the OP. They're what I don't get.

Thanks for your response.:)

and They. Can't. Stop. Me. :evilgrin:

:hi: thanks JeffR

Keep on keepin' on!

I have been so overwhelmed lately with current state of affairs regarding life and our lack of appreciation of said life.

just when I think things are glum something like your story comes along and offers me the hope that we are good people and we can make a difference for one and all.

Thank you :grouphug::yourock:

on edit: this brought a tear to me eye

We all need a reminder now and then that good things can be done everyday. If more of us did them, think how much better the world would be!

:hug:

are saying about your act each time I've performed something similar I too have seen the genuinely pure and beautiful reaction that you speak of. It is because it is my experience that homeless people are not so caught up in the petty ongoings of each day like most of us, and therefore are almost more genuine in their spirit. They appreciate the little things far more.

Unfortunately it is the reality that the appreciation you saw has most likely by now worn off and it's back to the harship of life on the street. Let's hope someone passes by her tonight and is equally inspired to do the same.

floating on pond scum gets a quarter of a BILLION dollars as a retirement bonus.

http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=1841989



April 14, 2006— Soaring gas prices are squeezing most Americans at the pump, but at least one man isn't complaining.

Last year, Exxon made the biggest profit of any company ever, $36 billion, and its retiring chairman appears to be reaping the benefits.

Exxon is giving Lee Raymond one of the most generous retirement packages in history, nearly $400 million, including pension, stock options and other perks, such as a $1 million consulting deal, two years of home security, personal security, a car and driver, and use of a corporate jet for professional purposes.

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what a pig.

Whenever I've done that, I've been turned away.

May your kindness and love be returned to you a thousand-fold.

TC

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I was one of the hostile guys on this thread. It doesn't matter to me anymore whether or not the OP was holier than thou or not. It makes me uncomfortable, but it's not worth risking tombstone city to force everyone to agree with me.

I hope you will accept my apologies. Thank you.