I was in Atlantic City recently for a meeting, and it is almost ritualistic for me to stop at my favorite sandwich shop in the world for a White House Special Sub with the works.
This is a sandwich that is so packed with delicious meat, cheese, and hot peppers on fresh-baked bread that it is a must-stop for me and my family.
Interestingly enough, the sandwich isn’t why I am writing this column.
As I was waiting outside in line to order my sandwich, there was a street woman standing near me trying to make conversation with the people ordering their food.
Our homeless population is at an all-time high and getting worse. And this is becoming an all-too-common occurrence.
Because of the frequency of being approached for money in these situations, I have become too callous towards the plight of these people. But I learned a valuable lesson from the guy standing in line behind me.
He ordered a whole cheesesteak and told the girl at the counter he wanted it cut in half. Half for him and half for Miriam, the street lady I just mentioned.
Immediately I started berating myself for not doing this, and I extended my hand to him to thank him for his generosity. He said that this is the way people “used to be.” And he was right. Certainly, he was about me. I “used to be” the one to help.
Miriam was beaming. Her toothless smile captured my heart. I didn’t have any cash on me (I should have gone to find an ATM), but I hugged her and will look her up in that location the next time I am back in AC. If she is not there, I will ask the people at the White House if they know where she is.
My family is so blessed to be healthy and prosperous. And I WILL be a better and more generous person in the future.
My plan is to give Miriam $50 and buy her another sandwich.
It’s only $50… but I’m sure it will feel like a million bucks.
