Plain vs. Flavored

So I am driving to work this morning, and end up hitting a red light at a busy intersection packed with people bundled up waiting for buses and hopeful cab rides. I glance over at the electronic sign in the Walgreens parking lot, which shows the time and temperature, and almost choked on my coffee.

8 degrees.

Wow...I know it gets quite cold here, and has gone degrees below 0 at night so far, but as I am sitting in my warm car, drinking my warm cup of coffee, praising God for my new Uggs I am wearing (thanks baby!), I realize how good I really have it. Not that I didn't think I was blessed before, but I really have no worries in comparison to so many around me. Every morning, I pass this one particular bus stop where there is a covered bench (most of these have heaters in them, so they are quite popular), and there is always the same gentleman sitting there. His face is barely seen, as he has long facial hair covering just about every inch of his worn face. This bus stop is located in front of a Dunkin Donuts, so I often scope the people waiting as I daydream about a blueberry cake donut :)

Anyway, as usual, I am already running late to work, but I remember I still have a Dunkin Donuts gift card in my wallet I purchased before the holidays. I decide to run in (which is never "quick" being it is on the mind of every other Chicagoan trying to get warm). I purchased a cup of coffee and a donut- not for me, but for this man. I tell the woman behind the counter to pick the donut, and she picks a nice one with sprinkles.

I cross the parking lot and try to figure out what I will say to this man, as I don't want him to feel guily of any sort. I say Hi, and proceed to give him the bag with the donut, explaining that I bought an extra one this morning, and wanted him to have it. He looked elated, and opened the bag immediately. I then extended the coffee to him, telling him he couldn't eat a donut without something to wash it down (which I must admit sounded kind of corny coming out) and as he took it, he spoke for the first time. Now prepare yourself for this...

He says..."What flavor?"

Huh? "Flavor"? I am sure he read my expression, which those that know me well, KNOW my face can express A LOT! I asked him what he meant, and that is was a cup of coffee, and there was sugar in the bag with the donut. He then says to me, "I like the mocha".

OMG- WHAT????? I am now officially late to work, and cannot believe this is happening to me, as we are standing out in the frigid cold having this exchange.

Instead of saying anything else, I walk away and go back to my car. As I am leaving the little parking lot, still in shock at what just happened, I watch him get up, walk over to the trash can, and THROW IT AWAY. I have tears in my eyes now, because not only would I have enjoyed that coffee, but someone else could of as well. He wasted it. He also wasted a strangers act of kindness.

What in the world is our society doing? Not to intentionally offend anyone, but I am usually the one that views most panhandlers as people who probably just don't want to get a job. I cringe when they have their kids out doing it with them.

I did befriend a homeless man shortly before leaving Durham...Scott. He was always in the same intersection, holding his big sign that read 'Smile', when he wasn't camping out in the woods along the highway with some of his 'friends'. He has a disability with one of his legs, and from talking to him, I know he has lead a hard life. But Scott began to coming to the church I attended, and was even baptized last Summer. I still think of him often, as I know he means the best and never did he ever ask for a handout. He just wanted to live his life among the rest of us. Another blessing was how easily my church (which is the best ever-Miss you NEW HOPE) acccepted him into their family.

If I could have my way, I would have this man meet Scott. I am sure Scott could teach him a thing or two.