I just had my most amazing experience of the week, and Ive had a few already. (Please dont lecture me because I will just delete your comment.) As I was pulling on to the interstate in Janesville on my way home to Beloit, I saw two dirty kids with huge backpacks and jugs of water standing on the side of the onramp with a cardboard sign that said Chicago. I stopped and cleared space for them in my car. They got in and shook my hand, politely introducing themselves. Elijah (19) and Trevor (22). We had the most interesting conversation on the 18 minute drive to the Beloit Milwaukee Ave. exit. They were not homeless or even poor, although Elijah admitted that he only has $12 in his pocket. They are college students. Their dirt covered hands, faces and ragged cloths gave no indication of their socio-economic or educational status. They were articulate and philosophical. Thoughtful kids. They started in New York and were making their way back by way of Chicago. They had spent time all over the country. I asked what made them do it and Trevor replied that he always wanted to see the west coast. Simple. They spent time in San Francisco and were on their way home. They talked about train jumping and sleeping under the stars as well as of all the kind people from all different walks of life they had met. I asked how they ate. They got excited. They spoke of dumpster diving and finding a full box of fresh donuts yesterday. Then Elijah expressed his sorrow. They were concerned with the wastefulness of our society and how we treat our homeless. He said there were too many donuts in that box and it made him feel bad. I asked them if they were ever scared and they said no. They said there are more good people out there than bad. I dropped them off at the Pilot Station hoping a kind truck driver would pick up where I left off and get them safely to Chicago. I asked if they would come in to the store with me so I could buy them some snacks for their journey. Elijah, with only $12 in his pocket, said No thank you. We will dumpster dive tonight. They shook my hand, thanked me and were gone. It makes me happy to know that I was a part of their adventure and that I made two new friends in the universe. I know they will pay my small act of kindness forward.
Posted on: Thu, 14 Aug 2014 01:35:32 +0000
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