A few years ago, I saw a woman standing on the side of the road, asking those who passed by in a little Prius or a huge Durango for some spare change and a little compassion. I took a break and sat down with her, this kind, well-worn woman named Dawn. I learned that Dawn loves chocolate donuts, red Gatorade and hot chocolate on cold Iowa days.
So instead of simply handing a few dollars out my car window and driving on, I began asking, “Dawn, what can I do to make today a little easier for you?” Some days, she just wanted something cold to drink; once, she needed a full meal, as she hadn’t eaten in over 24 hours. No matter what sustenance she needed on a particular day, Dawn seemed to crave companionship as much as anything. I tried to give her both.
Over the previous few months, she had gone through several major life changes, including losing a job and leaving an abusive boyfriend who bruised her skin and her spirit. I just listened—and brought her a few extra chocolate donuts.
After a few months of this budding friendship, Dawn disappeared from her usual street corner, no longer asking for compassion and spare change. I like to think she got back on her feet, that she no longer needed to rely on the kindness of strangers for her daily survival. Three years later, I still look for Dawn each time I pass her corner, but she’s never been back.
Shortly after my last visit with Dawn, the New York Times featured an editorial called The Pope on Panhandling: Give Without Worry. In it, Pope Francis said that, when we encounter panhandlers, we should give them money and not worry about where it will go or what it will be used for. Whether it is used for diapers or drugs, food or liquor, we should give. The pope says that if “a glass of wine is the only happiness he has in life, that’s O.K. Instead, ask yourself, what do you do on the sly? What ‘happiness’ do you seek in secret?”
When Pope Francis says that giving to someone in need is “always right,” I think of Dawn and all she gave to me. Her directness and authenticity always made my day a little better. I can only imagine how much better life would be if we approached everyone with the question, “What can I do to make today a little easier for you?”
—Andi Lewis, Prairiewoods marketing coordinator
(A version of this article was originally posted on the Prairiewoods Blog on April 25, 2017.)