A late night at the Gardenia, I left way past the midnight hour and close to one. The streets were wet, but we missed the rain. I headed east on Santa Monica Blvd, and proceeded for a couple of miles. There, on my right was a form on the ground curled up beneath an overhang of a storefront. I pulled over, turned off the engine and grabbed a Blessings Bag. I was happy it was heavy in its load of warm items to wear and protein packaged foods. I stepped close. The person was asleep. I called softly, Hello. Hello.... Hello...I have something for you if you like (kind of important to give them the control of wanting something or not, if you think about it). He opened his eyes, straining them to see who was disturbing him. I handed him the bag, Here ya go, just a little something for you. He looked totally confused, took it and drew it beneath his cover of rags. Thank you. I mumbled a Sorry to have disturbed you. Sleep well. He acknowledged me with a chin nod, and brought the covers over his head. Im okay with that. Believe me. I started the engine and looked at the clock. It was 1:11. I went further, took my usual path off the Hollywood Freeway, thinking that everyone would be huddled beneath their makeshift homes of discarded cardboard, cloth and found discards. A small figure was trying to etch out a place to call their own. I pulled over, blinkers on, rolled down my window and with hand extended offered a blessing bag that Ava DuPree had put together with her brand of swag, including a tee shirt and sunglasses, to which had been added protein package of tuna, a small plastic bowl, a Yoohoo chocolate drink, and much more. Her eyes danced. She was a beautiful woman of color with dark freckles and an infectious smile. Merry Christmas! Her eyes danced. Hands outreached. Thank you! I finally got a word in, Youre welcome honey. Stay safe. She giggled with glee at the package. Oh, thank YOU. MERRY CHRISTMAS! I pulled away. I could barely get away and down the road before the sky opened up with thunder and suddenly the 2 Freeway was almost flooded. My sturdy car hydroplaned six, seven or more times as I white-knuckled it. I heard myself pray out loud. I know you didnt make me to stop me now. The crack of thunder and lightening lit up the sky behind the San Gabriel Mountains, and suddenly the freeway was flooding. I slowed even more, put on the flashers and made it down the road, finally able to see the road again, it was bad. Never have I been so happy to see my exit off the 210 freeway. I breathed a sigh of relief as I pulled into the driveway. Happy to open the door. Happy to note that the house was cold, and that I had a heater to put on. Happy that I am here to serve in a greater purpose. Happy to have sung with meaning Joni MItchells Both Sides Now. For I have seen it, this thing called life, from both sides now. Have a lovely, warm sleep. And when you wake, may you feel the magic of family and the love of a higher power, whether you call it Universe or God. And like the woman beneath the overhang said, Merry Christmas!
Posted on: Wed, 17 Dec 2014 10:22:02 +0000
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