An Act of Simple Humanity
by shannon | Published on August 18th, 2009, 9:10 pm | Life
I just had to tell you all about an amazing man in my life, my father. No BHL Not (THE FATHER), though he is a father AND a son.
My daddy. While he drives me mad sometimes and is full of eccentricities galore, he is an amazing human. He has not allowed a life in the front seat of mean spirits and greed to callous him to the world. He has such a kind, compassionate heart, running over with sincere generosity. I heard of a story today that reminded me what a special person he is. He and my mother went to a local taco stand in California. They noticed these two guys that were hanging around the restaurant looking hungry. He overheard one of them saying he was hungry. My dad walked up to these two people he's never met and offered to buy them lunch. They said "no thank you". My dad got his food and sat down. He went back up to the counter and got salsa and again told the two young guys he would buy them something and let them know that as long as he was there his offer was still good.
He sat back down at this outdoor patio with my mom and a little while later the two men came up to my dad and said they had changed their minds. So my father told the restaurant that he'd pick up the tab for whatever the hungry guys ordered. He let them order whatever and however much they wanted. They got their food and gratefully sat at a table next to my folks to eat. They were so thankful and they asked my dad why he helped them. He just said simply, "because I was here and you were hungry". He never asked for anything in return and he'll probably never see these two again. He did not know their story , nor did he ask. He just told them never to be ashamed to ask for food. Simple as that. He said that "you need food to keep your body strong", and my optimistic father told them that there will always be someone out there that will be willing to help them if they ask.
I just love my amazing dad so much. I am so proud of his capacity to act selfless. He is just one of those people that will always do his best to make the world better. Not for some higher purpose or reward. Just because it's the right thing to do. He always gives people the benefit of the doubt and even when mistreated just lets it roll off his back. Many today would be suspicious or cynical if placed in this same situation. Most people have been tricked or cheated or taken advantage of and in response have grown cold to the compassion of humanity. This man will never let these tainted life experiences affect his willingness to do the right thing. Just one great man.
