THANKFUL FRIDAY

I have a lovely view of the Plaza area and Brush creek and the Rockhill bridge that crosses that creek from my desk at work. One of the guys here got some fancy binoculars for Christmas and we take turns spying on the goings on of the city outside our window. There's a homeless man that lives under that Rockhill bridge. He sleeps on the ledge near the water, but stores his things up near the road. We've had some pretty deadly cold temperatures particularly at night around here. I'm not sure how the man has survived those cold nights and it's become part of the morning ritual to check on him every day. I think we all breath a little sigh of relief when we see that he's up and moving around. But I'd like to do more than just make sure the homeless man has survived the night. I have always been the type to hand out spare change to someone standing at a street light. There have been many times when I sit at a light next to someone holding a cardboard sign and I have had nothing more to give than a piece of fruit. My first instinct is to always give something, but it would be nice to hand out something that would actually be useful. I remember Maggie Mason doing an entry not to long ago about making care kits for the homeless. I'm thinking of spending some time this weekend making a bunch of these up to have on hand in the car.

I am very fortunate to have a good job and roof over my head. I am aware that it's not just about having a good job, but about having the mental clarity needed to function in a good job. I am aware that there are many different factors involved that can lead to homelessness. It's not just about laziness, even though there are some narrow minded people out there who believe just that. I may not be wealthy, but I am better off than some. There's no reason why I cannot give back. In reality, I am the lazy one. Those kits are such a simple easy way to help out someone less fortunate than me. I am thankful that little homeless man finds a way to survive this brutal cold. I am thankful for the reminder he's given me that I can do better. I am thankful that I am in a position where I can do better.

I am thankful for a successful week of work, treadmill and yoga. I am thankful for the meals Michael and I have cooked together this week. I am thankful for routine. And I am forever thankful for the kind words you all send my way. Here's to a beautiful weekend and truly thankful Friday.