Backpack of Love

Just Own Yourself ™ 

 Here's another "oldie but goodie" article which I penned in March of 2009 - will always remember this awesome experience!

"It is not the things we get, but the hearts we touch that will measure our success in life."  ~Anonymous

Wow … I experienced something incredible last week! A group of caring people I know assembled backpacks full of necessities (blankets, food, and personal care items) to pass out to the homeless. It was an anonymous outreach program called the "Street Ministry." I was offered one of the bags in the hopes of passing it on to someone less fortunate. 

I thought the bag would sit in my trunk for a while, so I hesitated taking one at first. However, since I'm a firm believer in all things happening for a reason, I chose my backpack — a red duffle-looking bag. I had a hunch it might be put to good use. I had no idea it would be so soon! 

Only TWO days after placing the backpack in the trunk of my car, I spotted a homeless person at an intersection I passed frequently, without ever seeing someone there the previous 20 years. 

I was running errands with an elderly gentleman I work for as a caregiver. We were at an extremely busy shopping center...it was lunchtime, and cars were buzzing by at an unbelievably fast pace. And then, suddenly ... there HE was. Tattered and torn, wearied and worn, holding a sign: "Homeless and Hungry, Please Help." 

I knew this was my opportunity. I excitedly told Frank, my elderly passenger, why I so abruptly turned the car around, jerking him a little from his seat. Frank just smiled at me, as if to give his approval.

After maneuvering my way through heavy traffic, I finally neared the unsuspecting man. I beeped the horn and jumped out of my car to capture his attention. He spotted me and picked up his stride toward my waving arm, folding his cardboard sign as he approached the car. I extended my hand and introduced myself with a smile. 

"Hello, I am Victoria." He shook my hand and told me his name was Michael. "Do you live around here?" I asked him. (Later it hit me: What kind of question was THAT? But, hey, I was nervous!)

"No, I found myself on hard times," he replied.

"Where do you sleep?" was my next question.

"In a shelter when there's room," Michael said, "or mostly on the street, and sometimes I get invited into someone's home for the night."  

I smiled as he spoke — a warm, genuine smile that came from deep inside me. I told him I had a backpack filled with goodies in the trunk of my car, and asked if he would accept it. "Yes, thank you," he said graciously.  I handed him the backpack ... and before I had the chance to utter my next words, he said the EXACT thing I was about to say: "God Bless You." He said it in such a sincere, appreciative voice that I could literally feel my heart double in size; it felt like it was going to burst out of me!

"God Bless You," I said back to him with an ever-widening smile on my face. I then asked if I could have a hug. He looked at me with what seemed a bit of hesitancy ... but I wasn’t certain if he was the tentative one, or if it was my own awe at what was taking place. That's when spirit led me to open up my arms, and we hugged. I couldn't help but to smell his overpowering stench ... but I didn't mind at all; the warmth of the moment, two souls connecting, is what shall always linger in my memory.

I truly don't know who benefited more, the man with the cardboard sign, or myself. As a result of our exchange, I realized my mission in life: I am a Steward of Good. That is my purpose for being here. It's that simple. And the homeless man, perhaps he's really a teacher of compassion in disguise.

It was such a high, such an amazing experience, that I invite each person reading this to reach out to someone in need. Perhaps it's someone in need of a hug ... a warm smile ... a heartfelt compliment ... or a backpack full of love. For, it truly is in giving that we receive the most.

Peace & blessings to all,
Victoria