The Cold Stranger

[GrannyG]

Since DH has had his surgery, the Dr. requires him to walk every day, but with the weather so bitter cold, we decided to buy a used treadmill. He can walk on it in the house across the street we use for company or visitors from time to time of unforseen circumstances that need help for a little while. I saw the man walking his bicycle, his head down to the wind. He was wearing coveralls, a toboggan, gloves, and his beard was long but neatly trimmed. The wind was so cold, the temps below freezing, I could see the bedroll rolled up on his bicycle tied behind the seat . He had other items tied to the handlebars. My heart ached for him....what circumstances brought him this far on his journey, I wondered to myself. Dear Lord, please help me say the right things so I do not shame him in any way. I waited until he was barely past me when I walked out into the street and called to him "Hey, there, are you okay?" He stopped walking and pushing the bicycle and gave me a smile. His eyes looked so tired. His face was reddened from the cold."Can I buy you a hot meal ? They are serving here in the Senior Citizens Center in just a few minutes, are you hungry?" He gave me a beautiful smile..."No, Mam, I am just on my way to Breckenridge (about 50 miles from here). "I just ate at the Dairy Queen, and I am alright, but I do want to wish you a Merry Christmas." Tears filled my eyes, this stranger and I looked into each others face, and I smiled back at him. "Be sure you stay safe, hear?" ........."Yes'm" ....and then he proceeded down the road. I had a commitment to move the treadmill, the guys were ready to load it, I was unable to do what I wanted to do, I wanted to offer to take him to the town, I felt so guilty. I rushed back into the center and told several of the men about the stranger and the journey he was on, hoping someone would give him a ride. I pray someone did what I could not do at that moment....help someone on his way in warmth and friendship. May God watch over you my unknown friend, and may you have arrived at your destination in safety.

[Tonnymonk]

What a lovely story to read at Christmastime- you are one wonderful person! I hope he made it safely and quickly.

[notherdigger]

That is a very interesting and touching story. I have been in the same boat several times in my life but way in the past, many years ago. Once I was hitching from Texas back to California and was in Amaraillo in the dead of winter. I had my roll andsuch and had caught a ride with a trucker into Amarillo on Christmas eve. He handed me a twenty and told me to get a room for the night, said it was too cold to be out. I thanked him but being broke by then I kept walking thinking I could use the money down the road better. There was bout three feet of snow on the road and in the teens. The night was clear, starsout and walking made4 me warm and it was so quiet and peaceful all night that it was a pleasant night. Another time in Arizona a man took me in and fed me, offered me a shower and a night of rest. I was leary but all was well.
Yet another time I jumped in a van on the way to Sacramento with four men and a thirty eight on the dash, they were telling me how they did burgularies in Sac and I was really worried that time. But all turned out as they dropped me off at the edge of town.
It is nice when a helping hand can be offered and accepted or declined in friendship but this day and time it is a fifty/fifty draw how it goes and that is a shame cause many people could use a hand but that man was a good one cause he wasn't insulted and he was doing on his own and that's everything in this world now. I'm sorry but I had to add my two cents cause I've been that man more than once, mostly by choice but not always. I've had many experiences like those over the years. Your offer of generosity I'm sure will bring you a future blessing cause you are judged by what is in your heart. Have a happy, healthy Christmas and New Year.