Panhandling

I drove to my daughter's place yesterday. I was going to hang out and help move some rooms around and steam-clean carpets. My grandson, her son, is almost a one-year-old. He has been fortunate to have his mom home with him this last year. Needless to say, he has a case of separation anxiety so he hangs on to her apron strings. This is not where I was going with the story but needed to paint the picture about what I was able to enjoy...I had an "aha" moment(admittedly, I have them a couple times a week because I seek these moments). As I sat at the I-25 exit at Hampden, I noticed a panhandler that had one of the usual signs that made me feel bad, but also question whether I should give change that I can barely spare these days. I was suddenly and completely overwhelmed with how blessed I (and so many people I know)am! I was (and am) truly sorry for that man's place in life and didn't even question what caused it...drugs, alcohol, divorce, loss...you know what I mean. The air in my lungs was expunged as I "realized" how much I have. Even though money is real tight, even though our business is having challenges due to the economy, we have close friends with life-threatening illnesses, we have family making poor choices, we have debt we never imagined...WE HAVE LIFE! Albeit challenging, we have so much to be thankful for. As I post this, I hope anyone that bothers to read it can identify with these feelings. Gob Bless!