Merry Christmas and Be Good to Each Other

Merry Christmas, even though it’s something I don’t even really celebrate. My bah-humbug attitude from this morning has been completely displaced by my appreciation for the strength and beauty of humanity.

The Orphan Christmas

Firstly, thank you Bardog for being open today, for all the employees who gave up time with their families to feed a bunch of us flying solo or those looking to escape tonight. Don’t know that you’ll ever know how thankful we all really are.

I got the special tonight. Blackened chicken Alfredo on penne with sautéed mushrooms, and in true Bardog fashion, it was delicious. I couldn’t eat it all and had my leftovers boxed up. Thought maybe I’d have them for lunch tomorrow.

On the way home, I passed a mailbox with a new fleece blanket rolled up tightly on top. I smiled for the kind heart that placed it there, knowing an unhoused person would find it and be more grateful for a blanket than I’ve ever been in my privileged life.

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The Walk Home

I continued my trek towards home and turned down my alley, passing a man who couldn’t have been much older than I am. He was packing a tattered blanket into a destroyed black trash bag. I was smoking, and the sweet man asked if he could buy a cigarette from me. Absolutely not. Please. They’re horrible for us both, but if it brings you any comfort, then please just have one. I’ll buy more.

So I give him a cigarette, and he’s so kind with his “Thank you, ma’am” and such. He tells me, excitedly, that he’s been dumpster diving, and he’s just found a heavy large blanket. My heart broke.

I’m standing there with my to-go box in hand, the warmth of my spoils still radiating through the aluminum. I asked him if he’s eaten today, and his sweet soul said ‘no.’ I offered him my meal, which he gladly and humbly took. I didn’t want to offend by offering him my “seconds,” but at the same time, it’s a warm meal right there, and I have plenty at my place just around the corner.

So I gave him the food, and I asked him if he knew where Bardog was. I told him to go inside and ask for to-go silverware so that he could have that while it’s still hot, and I told him that there’s a blanket on the mailbox right there on his way and it’s brand new and he should snag that before someone else does. He smiles. So pure and genuine and beautiful. He hurriedly finishes stuffing his dumpster find into this shredded bag, tucks the cigarette behind his ear, and squares up to head that way. That smile on his face sliced me to the core.

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I say all of that to say this.

My heart is full. It’s been one hell of a year. It’s been one hell of a holiday. I’ve faced challenges greater than I ever thought I’d face. I’ve sat around feeling sorry for myself and losing sight of all the great things in my life. But tonight, I was reminded what this life is all about. In the midst of economic collapse, government shutdown, an infantile idiot running our country, and bigotry and “pussy-grabbing” mentalities making America “great” again, I was blessed with a moment of perspective, hope, and faith.

At the end of the day, I’m blessed. I have more food than I’ll eat this month stashed away in my fridge. I have a warm home and bed to sleep in. I’ll have a hot shower tonight. I have people who love me and who’ve refused to give up on me despite my many, many flaws and the horrific pain I’ve caused them. Beautiful friends and family who’d miss me if I disappeared. I have peace. I have hope. And I have love.

I don’t say *any* of this as some quest for a worthless pat on the back. I’m more full of love right now than any double tap or emoji reaction would ever bring me. I say it all only to ask anyone who might see this or share this to do one thing for me, for us all, please.

Please. Be kind to one another.

Realize your blessings and help others as you’re able. Love. Please. For the sake of everything beautiful, love one another. None of us are making it out of here alive. There’s absolutely no reason to make someone’s life more difficult or painful when it’s in our power to bring about such great change. We have no idea the suffering of others, as we’re too involved with our own troubles most of the time to notice anything past our own faces.

Please. Please just take care of one another. Whatever you’re able to do. I had nothing but a cigarette, some leftovers, and knowledge of a clean blanket for this man. It’s so little, and I almost feel bad for not having more to give. At the end of the day, though, that was everything he needed tonight. And what he didn’t know is that he saved Christmas for me. The gift he gave me was far greater than anything I was able to offer him in return, and for that, I am truly humbled.

Please. Be good to each other. There’s just not enough of that anymore.

Photo: Hamburger Arts