Today, I was reminded to pay more attention to people. I was at a local coffee shop when a guy walked in, came over to me and held out a brochure. He mumbled something, and without really looking at him, or what he had, I waved him off. As he walked away, I looked up to see what he was doing.

The coffee shop employees were busy but wanted to keep him from soliciting. He made it to a few more people who also waved him off before the employees could get to him. I watched his interaction with the other customers and realized that he was deaf. He was trying to make some money with deaf education booklets.

One employee held up her finger to indicate to give her a moment. She came back and let him know that she didn’t have any cash. By this point, I was lost in my thoughts. What if I were in that situation? What if that was my family member?

Before the man left, I got his attention and waved him back to my table. I mouthed the question, “how much?” and he pointed to the place on the brochure that said, pay any price you wish. I pulled out a bill and handed it to him. A big smile spread across his face as he looked at the bill. He thanked me and made a gesture to show me that now he could get something to eat.

After he left, the lady at the coffee shop walked over and said “that was very kind of you.” There was a moment of me sitting there, sipping on my coffee and being thankful for the life I have. A moment of being able to do something for someone else.

I’m aware that there are plenty of people out there who will say and do anything to get someone to give them some money. I don’t believe that was the case with him. If it is, I’m at peace with it. I felt lead to do what I did. We have to start being aware of each other. Times are hard and people are hurting. Let’s be kind, all the time.