While waiting outside in line for an iced tea with about eight other people I noticed a man of questionable demographic approach, perhaps homeless, but not sure. He had shaggy, layered clothing, the soles of his shoes were quiet worn but still looked incredibly durable, and a big backpack creatively reinforced with duct tape strapped to his back. However, he had the softest, non threatening presence about him; something was drawing me towards him. Interestingly enough I noticed the other people in line starting to shift, turn their backs, uncomfortably stare at the ground and even put their money back in the pocket. The woman behind me was tapping her foot impatiently and jingling her keys, clearly she had somewhere else to be…..I offered her my place in line and stepped back closer to the ‘questionable’ gentleman. The man was now standing next to me and I said, Good morning, Sir, how are you?” My two year old also said Hi and waved excitedly. This man’s eyes were so bright and full of life, not dull at all as one may assume based on the nature of his clothes. He also had an amazing smile, full white teeth, again, not what to ‘expect’. He said that I seem to be blessed with a little red-haired angel perched on my hip, referring to my son. He also said I seemed to be blessed with kindness, and thanked me for considering him a Sir. We talked about the beauty and innocence of children and how they are truly the most perceptive beings, because they see things with such love, joy and non judgment. He was very well spoken, had perfect grammar and impressive vocabulary. He seemed to be naturally insightful and completely comfortable with who is was and not at all concerned with the behavior of the other people in line (who still seemed awkward and looking at me like I am some naive do-gooder). We had such a nice talk, all the time very respectful of my space, my opinions and never once asking me for money….as one may have predicted or feared. When it was our time to order at the window I wanted to by him a coffee or tea, but he stepped in before I could order and said, “I’ll have the usual and pay for this young women’s beverage and a treat for the little angel.” I hesitated, he insisted, “What kind of Sir would I be?” I accepted, he paid with a 100 dollar bill and winked at me. We wished each other well and parted, I said, “Next time it is on me, how could I be kind otherwise?.” He said, “Fine then, just promises me you will keep doing what it is you are doing.” A very special and interesting encounter, to say the least.
