PLEASE MEET BRIAN:
You've paid for parking. Two hours time. It should be enough to drop books off at the library, grab coffee at your favorite coffee shop, and then head to the park to sit, relax and catch up on social media. Along the way you pass a man sitting on the curb next to his truck, which is also his home. You didn't see him, but he was there.
You don't know it, but this man is a beautiful person. Yes he's fallen on tough times, but he's gentle and caring. He doesn't have much, but he's into helping others, sharing his time.
He could be anyone, but his name is Brian. He's 64 years old, grew up in Butte, Montana working the mines. He loves heights and depths, the deeper the better, he was made for mining. Not anymore though. Too old, too many injuries.
The truck he lives in was given to him by Brother Isaac at St. Luke's. A gift to his friend just before passing away. They had come to enjoy each other's company, taking care of the grounds. The truck had been sitting for a long time, because of it the tires and battery are shot.
We would like to raise $1,000 for Brian to get (4) new tires and batteries, the truck takes two. It would mean the world to him. He wants to use the vehicle to help move belongings to storage for friends living on the street. He's just that kind of guy.
I know social media is important. Heck, Facing Homelessness has 53K people on this page reaching out with kindness. But maybe, just maybe next time you are out and about, look for that person sitting alone, having a tough time of it. I promise your life will shift if you stop and Just Say Hello. The human experience of it all will be infinitely more real and beautiful than anything you'll find on your phone.
A community size LOVE to you Brian. Thanks so much for sharing about your life, especially all the interesting stuff about mining. As soon as this Covid virus is under control I'm going to take you up on your offer of heading to the mountains to pan for gold. I got a good feeling about it!!!
Ballard Neighborhood | Rex
A QUIET THOUGHT - If you're moved by the goodness of this community, please visit http://www.facinghomelessness.org/
and click on the 'donate' button and consider a "monthly recurring" donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!
#JustSayHello #Kindness #FacingHomelessness Crosscut KING 5 The Bridge Care Center Linda Soriano