Dear one,
It’s easy to get caught up in things and to lose our appreciation for how much we take for granted. I woke up in a clean, comfortable bed this morning. I came downstairs, made my latte, and sat down to write this. Every single aspect of my morning routine is something I should appreciate, because I work with people all week who don’t have access to those things.
The next time you are inconvenienced and made to realize how many parts of daily life you take for granted, take a minute to remember the people who don’t have a home in which to shower, cook meals, or sleep in safety. Think about the person flying the sign at the off ramp. That $.50 in your car’s cup holder isn’t going to mean anything to you, but it might mean everything to them.
They’re filthy because they don’t have anywhere to take a damn shower, or to wash their clothes. They’re carrying everything they own on their backs because they have no safe place to keep their belongings.
Let’s stop mentally defining people on the street as “street trash” and start reminding ourselves that they are people. People are not trash. People are not disposable. Please don’t just walk past. Stop. Say Hello. Look them in the eye. Maybe treat them with a little dignity and respect and give them some change.
Never forget that I love you, and that excludes no one. Not even the filthy folx who just want to take a shower.
Love,
