Homeless man's walking staff

[Loosearrow]

I had a chance encounter with an elderly gentleman today. One of those spontaneous encounters that leave both humans happy for the shared moments. It was probably one my most valued moments today. I was in the Credit Union waiting in line to draw out some money to go Christmas shopping. An elderly man walked in to the building and headed off to the head (bathroom). He was dressed in a ball cap, camo military jungle field jacked with a black polar fleece vest. He wore a shegma(not spelled correctly) mideastern scarf around his neck. He had on wool pants and a German knapsack over his back. In his hand he carried his walking staff. It looked like it was a rake handle. Metal collar pointed down. He looked haggard and cold. He looked me over and smiled with his rotted teeth. He commented on my burgandy Woolrich heavy wool jacket shirt and said where he was from everyone wore them and he handn't seen one for some time. I said it was my favorite and wore it most of the winter. I commented on his scarf, German backpack, and walking staff. He smiled knowing that someone was looking at him for who he was and the experience he had for the selection of his gear. I asked him if I could give him a ride. He smiled and said no. I made a friend today and if I see him again I will take him for lunch and hear his story. I don't think that I would have the guts to walk into a credit union like that. I'm sure he would have been able to protect his investments with that staff and the metal end on it. What a good idea for an inexpensive staff. He walked the walk and waved goodbye. Merry Christmans I said, goodbye. Regards, Loosearrow
t

 

[hoopster]

Cool story, thanks for sharing.

 

[k_estela]

Never judge a book by its cover. Can't believe how many homeless are vets. Seems unfair considering their service. Great story and one to share with others.

 

[Pete1977]

Homeless people are survivors. They may not live in the woods but you can bet your a** that they know a thing or two about making due with what resources they have, building makeshift or semi-permanant shelters, selecting warm clothing with lots of pockets and layering it, finding food and money, and making tools and weapons.

Here is an article from Don Rearic's site re: homeless survival

http://www.donrearic.com/homeless.htm

Survival isn't a hobby or even a "what if" scenario with homeless people. It is part of every waking hour of every day of the week.

I have seen a lot of squats along the riverbank in both north and south Chicago. A lot of times they are hard to see and well camouflaged. A lot of times they just look like dumps, but I've seen lean-to's made out of tree branches, tarps, tents and plywood shelters tucked into the urban woods along the river. I've seen panhandlers bundled up in carhart coveralls and bib overalls, wearing peacoats, down parkas, scarves of all kinds, etc. A lot of them, although some seem mentally ill, disabled, are noticeably addicted to drugs, seem very skilled in their "gear" and "camp" selection and attire for the seasons.

 

[LMT66]

I never quite know what to say to the homeless without offending them. I always want to offer a few dollars but have been refused more than once.

I'll bet they could teach even the best guys here a thing or two.
If there's ever a MOASHTF event, they will be A-Ok.

 

[Loosearrow]

I never quite know what to say to the homeless without offending them. I always want to offer a few dollars but have been refused more than once.

I'll bet they could teach even the best guys here a thing or two.
If there's ever a MOASHTF event, they will be A-Ok.

Maybe a cup of coffee and a chance to get out of the cold would help. I think human contact and a connecting and acceptance with mainstream is what is needed. I think the money is a quick fix for us. Makes us feel good about them. One time, I happened to be approached by a "homeless" looking person who was in need of a handout. I gave him some money and my son of 10 began to question me about it. Maybe it was a scam for him etc. I said it didn't matter. It was about what I felt compelled to do. The rest was on him. I was able to pass it on. You never know what small kindness shown to another may turn the tide of total devestation. My son is now 28. I think I have passed more on to him. I just smile to myself as we walk by the Salvation Army bell ringer and he drops in a few bucks. Only a proud silence passes between us. I think he has it. It's his deal now.

 

[udtjim]

Way to many Vets fall into that category, It is a real shame.

Few things compare to making a new friend and the cost is usually so little.

 

[dawsonbob]

Way to many Vets fall into that category, It is a real shame.

Few things compare to making a new friend and the cost is usually so little.

Yes, it is. A tragedy, really. I was part of a study group over at the VA and they were talking about it. The numbers are astonishing: simply incredible.

 

[udtjim]

Bob, I know a few of them, ND is not a good place to be homeless.

Surprisingly enough, many of them do it by choice. They just gave up on the BS of life. I think you know that that can be easy to do sometimes, you miss one step and the fall can be mighty hard. But for the grace of God go many of us.

I was touched by a angel just in time. My wife.

 

[Stormstaff]

Loosearrow,

I said a special prayer for your new friend. May God watch over him and wrap his loving and protective arms around him.

Kirk

 

[99f250]

I was homeless for a few months, but a small taste of what some of our fellow beings go through, I'm sure some of what our veit nam vets experinced was way worse then being homeless.

 

[dawsonbob]

Bob, I know a few of them, ND is not a good place to be homeless.

Surprisingly enough, many of them do it by choice. They just gave up on the BS of life. I think you know that that can be easy to do sometimes, you miss one step and the fall can be mighty hard. But for the grace of God go many of us.

I was touched by a angel just in time. My wife.

Jim, I know a few of them, too. I've gotten a couple into programs at the VA: they were the lucky ones. A lot of them refuse help, and just waste away on the street.

I know from personal experience how close it can be. After I left uncle's employ, I started drinking way too much until one day I stopped and took a look at myself and realized that I was going downhill. The next day I checked myself into one of the programs at the VA. I haven't had a drink since (22 years). I also volunteered for a couple of research programs to help them understand what was happening to vets. One of those programs was a study of people who had jobs like ours in the service. For some reason a very high percentage of special operations types (Navy, Marines, Army) with combat experience were turning to drugs or alcohol, and they couldn't figure out why. The prevailing thinking at the time was that those would be the last people to develop a problem. I left the program after awhile because of time constraints, so I don't know whether they ever figured it out or not. I'd like to find out someday.

You're super lucky to have your angel. Mine divorced me my last tour in Nam. If she hadn't, who knows how much better things might have gone.

 

[Evolute]

In my late youth to early adulthood, I was very eager to travel and see the world. I took off... no money, no possessions. I spent about 7 years as a vagabond, traveling around and exploring, before I settled down (because I fell in love).

 

[dawsonbob]

In my late youth to early adulthood, I was very eager to travel and see the world. I took off... no money, no possessions. I spent about 7 years as a vagabond, traveling around and exploring, before I settled down (because I fell in love).

Love will do that for you. It can settle you right down.

 

[Diomedes Industries]

Way to many Vets fall into that category, It is a real shame.

Few things compare to making a new friend and the cost is usually so little.

QFT... So many vets have a few mental issues that make holding a job impossible - the VA cuts have made their care impossible - the streets are their only home. We should not toss them away like a toy soldier.

TF

 

[Evolute]

Love will do that for you. It can settle you right down.

Yup.

P.S. We split up a long time ago, but she's still my closest friend.

 

[wildmike]

I was homeless for an extended period of several years. I made several attempts to extricate myself from the situation but was taken advantage of by unscrupulous employers etc many times. I wasn't addicted to drugs or alchohol (still don't use either), nor did I ever panhandle. You couldn't pay me to stay at the missions or shelters due to the dgrading and dehumanizing way they treat the homeless.

The only reason that I am alive today was due to very well devloped survival skills. I provided my own meat through the judicious use of traps, snares and trot lines. Improvising better and better shelters as my tools improved.

I wound up homeless due completely to economic reasons, just like many others I've met. The kicker is that many do wind up with drug abuse or alchohol problems while homeless. It is hard to maintain yourself once you give up hope of being a normal human being again. Thankfuly the Marine Corps gave me the mental toughness to make it through intact.

 

[dawsonbob]

Yup.

P.S. We split up a long time ago, but she's still my closest friend.

Ahh, but all the moments you shared. That's priceless.

 

[Iboschi]

Never judge a book by its cover. Can't believe how many homeless are vets. Seems unfair considering their service. Great story and one to share with others.

Agreed.

 

[mtnfolk mike]

great story man...:thumbup: we have quite an eclectic array of homeless folks here.. as sad as it is, the vast majority of them have an addiction of some sort..