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by Jessica Mcclain

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I often spend my time here poking fun at or bitching about the in just of my life. Not today. I had an experience on Sunday that touched my core and over the past few days I have decided that it needs sharing...

Sunday morning, after my insane trip back from Pittsburgh I was rushing to Walmart to cash a check. Worrying that I would not get back in time to make the spotza for the festival. Worrying about getting my homework done and getting to Frostburg to study with Holly for the Cosmic test on Monday am. Worrying about what seemed to be monumental things that in retrospect would not really matter.

Upon pulling into the large shopping plaza that is Wally World, I noticed a man standing like a statue in the cold bitter wind, holding a cardboard sign which read, "Father of four will work for food."

Now please understand that Somerset County has its poor but rarely do we see them so vividly. This poor man was facing into that bitter wind, his face screwed into a puckering blob in the middle of his knit hatted head.

Since I had spend the previous two days in meeting meant to advocate for people in dire straights I felt compelled to help.

Don't get me wrong my bleeding heart is not going to just blindly offer someone into my home or hand them a 20. But I can not allow small children to suffer. So...

Into walmart I go, the bank was not yet opened which was good because it gave me the 10 minutes I needed to do my good deed. I grabbed the small plastic basket you use when you only want a few things and picked up my shopping list. 6 oranges, a loaf of bread and jars of peanut butter and jelly. Not much I know but still sustaining. Went into the bank and cashed my check. Ran to the check out and paid for my purchase. Went into McDonald's and purchased one final thing, a hot cup of coffee with creamers and sugar on the side. (never before had I realized that Walmart is becoming the be all and end all of one stop shopping)

Went out to the car and pulled into the traffic (not that there really was much on a Sunday morning) Pulled up to this gentelman who had changed position to have the wind to his back. Handed him his goods. Gave him the hot coffee and a small trickel started down his windburned face. He thanked me profusely and offered any work he could do. I refused his help, this was my turn after all, and advised him of the local assistance office and other charitable organizations in the area. Blessed him and drove off.

Now please understand I am not relating this story to you all because I want Kudos. This made me realize that in the life I lead I often forget to thank the almighty for the true blessings I have. A warm home with the lights and water running and three healthy, beautiful, intelligent and wonderful children.

I just thought that at times we all need a little reminding.

Learn more about this author, Jessica Mcclain.

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