Christmas list

As I was leaving the doctors office I saw my friend talking to a woman sitting in her car.  She was young, at the most in her late twenties and she was asking for directions.  She was looking for the ‘St. Vincent DePaul society’, a catholic institution that helps those who are in need.  In was 11:40 and she wanted to get there before 12:00 so that she could put her children on their Christmas list. 

Someone gave her directions to the society but they were wrong since the street she was looking for was not in the area.  So my friend went back into the doctor’s office to see if he could find out if one of their offices was in the immediate area.   While we waited she told me something about herself.  She was from California, just arrived, had two children and had a job, but it was only four hours a day.  Her husband was abusive towards her, so she wanted to get away from that situation.  She was smiling as she told me her story and was not looking out for any help from me, but I could feel the underlying anxiety that she was feeling for her children. 

So I turned away for a minute to see what was in my wallet and was able to give her something for her children.  I was surprised at her response, for in truth it was not that much.  She at first wanted to refuse, her eyes wide and unbelieving.  Then I said; it is for your children so please take it.  She then got out of the car and told me that she did not know why people would give her money, but it always seemed to happen when she most needed it.  She then started to cry and asked if she could give me hug, so we hugged. 

My friend came out telling her that no address was like that in the area, however we both knew where another society was that just five miles away.  So we gave her the address, made sure that she understood it and she was gone.  We also knew the lady who ran the particular place. It was based in a Catholic Church and we told her to give Ruth our names.  I was glad she was lucky enough to run into both of us.

You can’t help everyone; some people really can’t, for they are so overwhelmed by their own family needs, which of course come before the needs of others, so I felt happy that I could help in some small way.  We each do what we can when the situation shows itself. 
I think she will be alright, for she is working and looking for other avenues of making a living.  She did not look like someone who was looking for someone to take care of her.  She simply was concerned for her children’s welfare; what mother wouldn’t.