I had just managed to find my way to a Fred Meyers. As my gps is several years out of date, and my phone has been reduced to an awkward timepiece, finding the all-purpose superstore was something of a success. I trundled in with my laptop tucked under one arm, and perched on the patio furniture they had on display. Ah, free wifi, the joy of travelers.
On my way out, I foolishly wandered into the electronics section. As I had a small sum of money finally come in, from a debtor I had nearly given up on I was feeling rather plush in the wallet. After spending a small amount of time quizzing the sales person, and then some more time researching online (with my trusty laptop!) I decided on a purchase. Feeling happy with all things, secure in the flower of my maturity, strong of limb and clear of gaze, life was pretty good! Nice new toy tucked under my arm, and I was back to my car.
I took stock of my possessions, on this extended weekend. What with my laptop, jumping stilts, and various electric gizmos, I estimated the value of things in the car was roughly four and a half times greater than the value of the car. Such is the life of a techno nomad, I suppose. As it was, I had an abundance of costumes, plenty of gizmos, a nice little stockpile of food, including some gloriously ripe (and cheap) fruit. My gas tank was more full than it was empty, and I had time to spare. After googling things to do in Portland, I read up a bit on a brew and view. The concept is an indie sort of movie with dinner and drinks available. I liked the concept of it, and decided to take myself on a date, as it were.
I put the co-ords into my gps, and gamely plunged back into traffic. Just as I was approaching the freeway, I saw an older man standing on the sidewalk with a sign. Nothing unusual there, I thought. But as I drew closer, I could see this gentleman was clean and neatly shaved, and dressed in respectable clothes. If the cut was a few years out of date, one could just say he was adhering to the fashions of his prime. Then I read his sign. Hand printed on bright construction paper, with reinforced edges of duct tape.
NEED HELP TO PAY
WIFE’S MEDICAL EXPENSES.
PLEASE PRAY TO GOD
FOR A MIRACLE
I read his sign, held firmly in his trembling hands, his head held as high as he still could. I am ashamed to say I dropped my eyes away from his as he looked at me, rolling past to stop at the light. I was ridiculously grateful not to have had to stop in front of him, to see the determination in those fading blue eyes for any longer. I sneaked a glance in my rearview mirror, seeing him drop is sign as traffic piled up, and turn gently, his arms shaking steadily. I saw the pride in the way he held himself, even as he beggared himself. What kind of love must that be, for a man from the proud era to stand on the windblown side of the road, beseeching strangers for aid, in whatever sort they could give. I wanted to meet the woman who inspired such an act, but I will tell you plainly that I was afraid. A callow youth such as myself would only pale in the face of such quiet pride, such fierce love.
I am not one to beseech a god in the sky whom we can only have the most rudimentary grasp of. I do not put faith in words in the silence and well wishes alone. But on that day, snug in my car of wealth, secure in the medical generosity of my home country, I sent out a wish for this stranger, this woman wherever she may be, and I wished for their love to be enough.
It was the very least I could do
Wherever you are, Be There 