The Man Behind the Fence

In this episode, The Man Behind the Fence . . .

The crisp morning air invigorated me as I exited the Ford dealership. At 7:00 a.m., my service representative, Jim, assured me my truck would be ready in about two hours. With the sun shining brightly and the temperature a cool 49 degrees, I decided to stroll through the quaint Vista Village downtown area.

The only signs of life away from the main street intersections were the ducks playing in the park's stream, service trucks tending to the area, and litter collectors. The peacefulness of the morning was interrupted only by the gentle hum of an occasional passing car. The aroma of freshly baked goods drifted through the air, drawing me to Danny's Donuts, founded in 1973.

From the walk-up window, I ordered a cup of coffee and a blueberry cake donut, a classic combination that never fails to satisfy me. As I found a cozy spot in a slightly wobbly chair on the outdoor patio, a young man with a beard and cheerful yet somber demeanor approached me. His bare feet were tucked into well-worn, hole-ridden socks (no shoes). Despite his appearance, he spoke with a surprising degree of respect, asking for a dollar to buy a hot cup of coffee.

My initial instinct, shaped by years of living in Los Angeles and New York City, was to be wary. Panhandlers often used deceptive tactics to obtain money for illicit purposes. However, I obliged; this young man's sincerity was evident as he walked directly to the counter and purchased a cup of coffee. “Thank you”, he said.

This simple act sparked a thought in my mind: How many individuals struggling with homelessness rely on the kindness of strangers for their daily sustenance, let alone a place to sleep? As I finished my coffee and donut, I watched him walk away, disappearing behind a fence at the end of the parking lot.

A wave of sadness washed over me as I recalled my early days (1985) in California, walking the streets of Venice Beach and observing the homeless population. I had naively hoped that such a fate would never befall me.

As I continued my walk back to the Ford dealership, I couldn't shake the image of this young man. His story is a stark reminder of the challenges many face in our society, and it has inspired me to be more compassionate and understanding.

My hope is that it inspires you, too.

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