by Audrey Busciglio

Created on: April 17, 2010

As I walk through the streets of NYC I am aware of the many homeless people that are part of the fabric of society. It tugs at my heart strings knowing there are people out there who literally do not know where their next  meal is coming from. It does put life into perspective and makes me grateful for the wonderful things I have that are sometimes taken for granted.

Leaving my comfort zone and my security to venture into the world around me I realize the plight of the poor who struggle daily to survive. I remember one day as I went along my way,  an elderly man crossed my path. He made an impression on me even though I have seen many homeless on the streets before. He had azure blue eyes that  showed the many years of pain and suffering he endured,  wore down by the great weight he had shouldered.  All his belongings  toted along in his shoppinng cart.  The lines on his face were deep and told the story of a  man trying to survive.   I'm sure that  he did not  expect his life  would take this difficult  turn of self survival in its truest form.  When I saw  him  walking past me  it made me understand how  his  daily existence is a struggle to obtain the basic needs every  human  should have.

It is easy for me and everyone else who have their basic needs  met daily to overlook those who are not as fortunate.  I know I can be critical of what is wrong in my life, but, I should spend more time pondering on all the good I have been blessed with. I believe that as a society we have learned to be very competitive and are always seeking more to fulfill the feeling of not having enough.  Keeping up with friends  and  neighbors is a prime example.

When I think about the comforts of home and the warmth emotionally and physically that I am luck enough to have, I thank God that I do not have to worry about being cold on a frigid night and am happy I  have walls around me  and a roof over my head.  Living on the street,  in a cardboard box  not only is detrimental to the body, but, also to the soul where the person's dignity is thrown away. 

This man  had his own story of how and when he reached his current plight.  He started out the same way  as me.  He  was born into this world and cried his first cry  at  birth.  What I have learned by watching him  walk along the way is that  I as an individual should always be grateful for what I have, as oppose to what I don't have, never take anything for granted, maintain an equilibrium of how I should work hard to hold on to what I have been blessed with.  Also, I should be a giver and donate to those less fortunate.

 I believe that homeless man has taught me to be less critical of others and know that showering and putting clothes on can sometimes be referred to as a luxury. Not having to beg for food just to stay alive allows me to function with dignity.  Realizing there are many people who do not have a place to lay their head at night , but still manage to go on with perseverance and grace. Knowing I  have loved ones around me is a wonderful  blessing and makes life worthwhile.  This should be a life lesson on  having a bad day. It could always be worse, for me, but, on the other hand  it can always be better for the homeless man with the azure blue eyes and shy smile.     

Learn more about this author, Audrey Busciglio.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.