Story 76: Looks can be deceiving

In New York City everyone seems to have an attitude even the homeless.   I once offered a man some chocolate covered pretzels, but he declined saying he doesn’t like pretzels.

Another time I saw a woman sleeping, dropped a few coins in her cup including some pennies, and she responded with contempt. “Pennies?”

I wanted to respond about beggars can’t be choosers, but I refrained.

On another occasion I witnessed truly funny charitable giving.  A large man who was covered in dry paint was standing at Penn Station at 10 pm waiting for his train while holding a large Styrofoam cup of coffee.

A little old lady, literally, shuffled over to him and dropped a quarter in his cup of coffee.

“Lady, What are you doing?” He rumbled.

“I thought you might want something to eat.” She answered.

“This is my coffee.” He responded incredulously.

“Oh I’m sorry, I thought you might be homeless.” She responded, and proceeded to wander off.

The man just laughed, fished out the quarter, and finished his drink.

Life Lesson 76:  Sometimes looks can be deceiving, but generally giving is better than receiving.  A cup of coffee with a quarter inside, is better than full pockets because of your pride.