White Women Do Not Usually Stop To Pick Up Black Men #homeless

My friend Pat posted the following on her Facebook Page yesterday.  She is a Barista at my neighborhood Starbucks and has become a good friend. Enjoy!

-Alan

I met a man named Chris.  I was coming home from doing some work at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church (WHPC) for an Alzheimer's Ministry with which I am involved.  It was about 5:15pm in Austin, and HOT (100 or more).  As I was driving down Bee Caves Road I saw a man walking on the side of the road.  As I said it was hot.

This bothered me, so I drove up the road a bit more until I found a place where I could turn around safely.  I started driving down Bee Caves Road in the opposite direction and, to my dismay, this man was still walking.  I found another place where I could safely turn around and then drove in his direction.  I pulled past him and drove on to the side of the road/in to gravel.

I got out of my car and said "Hi, can I give you a lift? My AC is broken, but this may still be a bit better than walking."  He replied "Are you for real?" and I said "I sure am."  I told him he should sit in the back seat as, in addition to my broken AC, the passenger- side window in the front does not go down.  Oh well...the car runs!!  He jumped in and off we went.

I asked him where he needed to go and he said to 6th & Brazos to catch the #3 bus.  I learned it takes Chris ~2-hours to walk from 360 & Bee Caves Road where he stands with his sign, with other people, to 6th & Brazos.  It took me only 30-minutes in Friday traffic to get him there.  I wanted to drive him all the way home, but could not as my cell phone battery had died so I could not contact my husband.

He said "Thanks so much Miss Pat.  I do not mean to be rude or to offend you, but white women do not usually stop to pick up black men - much less men that look like me, so you surprised me today." I said, "Chris, I am an interesting sort...and kind of different, but in a good way I like to think."  He said "We all have the same organs inside don't we, no matter what color we are," to which I replied "We sure do."

We discussed many things during our short ride together including Alan Graham, who we both know and Chris is aware is one heck of a guy, the distribution of water to the homeless, the trailers for the homeless, etc.  As I dropped Chris off at the bus stop at 6th & Brazos I asked him if it was okay if I shared my Starbucks tips with him.

Chris said "Miss Pat you don't have to do that," to which I replied "I would be honored to do so."  He was "signing" all day to feed his wife and three kids.  We left each other with the statement, "Until We Meet Again."  God Bless you Chris, your wife, and your 3 children.

 

Comments

[Dan Cho]

Incredible reminder that we're all in this thing called "life" together. Love your heart!

[Mobile Loaves & Fishes]

Thanks for commenting Dan! I sense you have a similar heart. Keep on loving!

[Gary M.]

Pat, as I read this it brings the memories of the "real" people from my days on the corner. I am sharing my tears of happiness and memories with you because those humans that would stop and share a conversation or get out of there vehicle to make contact with me kept me knowing that my God had sent them to let me know He was still around. Because of those "real" people like Alan G., making it a point coming to my corner, I am alive today. No longer on the streets and no longer in my addiction. Thank you Jesus for angels.