We’ve all done it. You pull off a highway and just to the side of the off ramp intersection you see them. They are homeless. They are weary. Some may even claim they are con artists just looking to suck your dry.
I do not think this way. And I have found I am not alone. I recently found this piece of heaven in blog form
And I became familiar with Blessing Bags.
The next time I hear Tuck ask me why those folks are standing there, or what their signs says. I have a legit answer. I live in one gigantic constant awkward moment. It comes with the parental territory. I just hate hate hate throwing MYSELF into awkwardness. My kid can toss me into it head first no swimming skills and a giggle. Me. I’m a stuttering staggering idiot.
Do you give these folks cash? Food? A bus ticket? Should I ask? Would that be rude?
Dear God I’m rudely staring now. *Awkward look away*
You have totally done this too. Don’t lie.
I talked with Tuck over bedtime about our Blessing Bags and what all they would in tail.
I want Tuck to understand life from ground up. Yes life is hard. It can royal suck if you let it. And you can choose to see it from a positive perspective or doom & gloom. I do not believe we are “victims of circumstance.” Lay down be a victim. Stand up be a warrior.
Life is what you make it. Good or bad. You just have to make it.
This adventure literally put my “Best be thankful” speeches to him into a whole new perspective.
If given the opportunity my child will make lists, patterns and prepare a plan of action that would end all wars. He went off our many camping excursions and got creative. We filled our gallon zip lock bags with the following:
-Band aids
-Neosporin spray
-Trail mix
-Crackers
-Deodorant
-Bar of soap
-Hand sanitizer
-Pirate coins. Cause. Ya know.
-Socks
-Comb
-Tooth brush and paste
-Chapstick
-Baby wipes.
I don’t care who you are. Those things save lives.
-Light up Yo-yo
I don’t know about y’all but my day would be made if someone gave me a light up yo-yo.
-Sun glasses
I let Tuck write out on notecards some words of encouragement.
I made a few bags with feminine products and hair dillies.
Hair dillies. Say that three times fast. It’s even funnier when the kid does it.
At one point in Tuck’s little life we bought a few homeless gentlemen cups of coffee. In turn -one of them taught Tuck how to juggle.
In the eyes of my child. My completely impressionable little man THAT was winning at life.
I can quote the best of ‘em. I prefer to take heed with a little less known.
Xoxo
You are amazing…Tuck is amazing..and the life you are showing him – from the ground up – is rich with promise and hope and possibility. You is good sweetie..
I’m not sure if it is that I live in canada, but we do not have this phenomenon. We have homeless of course, but they generally congregate around our shelters downtown. My church, which is downtown, has an open door policy for the homeless…they can come in for food, clothing, or ask the staff for something if they need. i think your idea is wonderful and I think it is great that Tuck gets to participate.
You two are rockstars and your compassion for humanity is hard to find. Everyone should have to take a mandatory parenting class from you!
Great……very good, I have always taught children that a homeless person is just like everyone else, they just don’t have a lot of things, I never want children to think less of someone because of their circumstances…it is always behavior with me…if they are good, I have no problem lending a hand….love the bags idea. Most of our homeless gravitate to our downtown parks….unfortunately, the meth problem is so bad in rural Ca, you have to take precautions.