Kick-off to Good Deeds Done Dirt Cheap 8/11/09

It was a hot day here in Kansas City yesterday. Hot and humid. I left work early to go meet Time Warner Cable to hook up cable and internet at my new house. On the way home, I saw the same homeless people in the same spots. One in particular always catches my eye. She's a tired looking woman, most likely in her late 40's to early 50's with stringy blonde hair, squinty eyes, and a perma-frown on her face. Her skin is wrinkled into worn leather from weeks, months, maybe even years of weathering it out on the streets. I've never seen such sad eyes.

I don't know her story. I've never spoken to her. I usually just glance out the window, trying not to make eye contact with this poor stranger. By her side, you'll find a big fluffy mut of a dog, which looks to be mostly German shepard.

As I was waiting for the cable guy, muttering under my breath at how hot it was in the house despite the running air conditioner, I kept thinking about the woman and the dog standing at the Barry Road exit off of I-29.

The cable guy finally showed and hooked everything up. I decided to go see the woman and her dog. I gathered up an old water dish that used to be Buddy's (my long-lost dog, oh how I still miss him), dog treats, granola bars, bananas, and a huge plastic jug of iced water. I drove down to 72nd street, turned around, and got back on the highway so that I could exit. As I came to the stoplight, the light turned red. I opened the window of my nice air conditioned Honda and called to the lady, "Excuse me, ma'am? I've brought some water."

She made her way to the car with gratitude in her eyes. She was more excited about the dog treats and the water dish for her dog than she was anything else.

I'm so thankful for everything I have. I lead a very comfortable life with good family, wonderful friends, a good job with a steady income, and a beautiful home to live in. Like I said, I don't know that woman's story, but I do know that I'll be praying that she finds her way again someday.

Friends, as you're thinking of your good deeds, remember that they don't have to cost anything or take much time. All this required was an old water bowl, an old plastic jug I don't even use, and water and ice from the fridge. Oh, and maybe 10 minutes of my time. It's definitely a Good Deed Done Dirt Cheap.

Until next time,

-MFW