I feel fucking useless...

[coyotespaw]

We've had at least six inches of snow come down in the last six hours. An old man came into the bar I run karaoke at, about two hours before closing time. He came in and got a pitcher, and sat by himself, drinking each glass slowly. I walked past him a few times, and I wasn't sure what it was that I knew was off about him until about 1:30. Everyone in there had layers of clothes on, but he was the only one who had his socks rolled over the cuffs of his pants; which told me he was the only one of us that didn't have anywhere to go to after we got done with the night. I made him a cheeseburger in the kitchen, put my equipment away, then went into the cooler. Tonight was the first time in a long damn time I cried. Four years ago, I was in the same shoes as that old guy; but at least at that time I had a car to crawl into. I thought about letting him stay at my place, but he was gone before I could offer. I have this sick feeling in my stomach that I'm going to read the paper tomorrow and see his picture in the obituaries.

[Heidi]

1. Well, that's sad.

I'll light a candle for that gentleman, and for you for having such a compassionate heart. :hug:

ETA: No matter how you _feel_, your compassion probably was very useful to the man who maybe had nowhere to go. :pals:

[Inchworm]

2. Good on you for caring

I'm guessing he'll be ok.

I've seemed like that guy in my past. I really never cared what people may think by my apperance, and if the cold wind was blowing up my pant leg.. I may have tucked in my britches too. I'd have then went home.. wherever that might be.

:hug:

[NJmaverick]

3. You're a good man

:pals:

[Bertha Venation]

4. I don't know what to say.

:hug:

[lizziegrace]

5. You're a good soul

don't beat yourself up over what you could have done or what you weren't able to do. You *did* something. You noticed him. You took the time to make sure he had a full stomach before he went back into the night.

My grandmother used to say (as cliche as it sounds) "All you can do is the best you can do." You did the very best you could.

:hug:

[Tuesday Afternoon]

6. Wishing this old man warmth, generosity and the kindness of strangers

[graywarrior]

7. You rule!

Glad to know there are people who aren't numbed to the plight of others.

[Dangerously Amused]

8. I hope he comes back so you will know it turned out okay.

Now he is on my mind too, and I will keep him in my meditations. Please let us (or me, at least) know what happens, okay? Thanks.

:hug:

[scheming daemons]

9. I feel useless fucking....

Your dilemma is better.

[SammyWinstonJack]

13. .

:evilgrin:

[fizzgig]

10. you did more for him than others might have

and you did good. please don't beat yourself up.

[coyotespaw]

11. The thing is, that four years ago...

I'd have been right where he was. I'd have been trying to find a warm place to sleep when it's ten below zero. I know that I most likely deserve the warm place I live in less than he deserves a warm place of his own...

[Kali]

12. You did good.

You aren't useless. There is going to be a lot more of this before this country climbs out of the mess. He will be all right or not, you fed him and took notice. More than most are capable of.

[Jamastiene]

14. Well, you did something nice extra for him and you

cared. That, alone, is the beginning of a better world for all of us, that someone cares. :hug: