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My heart was broken today in a supermarket deli.
I saw a boy sitting with his hoodie drawn way up over his head, hiding his face. A dirty backpack at his side. His hands were red and trembling. He had a cup of water.
I went over and asked him if he was okay -- if I could buy him something to drink. He said no -- he didn't need anything. He was obviously not okay.
I asked the barista if she had seen him around. She told me that he, his sister and brother are homeless and they live in the street near her apartment. She said that he would not take any help.
He looked to be about 19. Same age as my nephew.
I went back to him. I made him take $20 -- would have given him more if I could, believe me. He kept saying "You don't have to do this." Yes, I did. He broke my heart and made me cry. I only wish I had asked him to bring his siblings to my little modest home for Christmas dinner.
So I urge you to open your eyes to look for the person who needs a hand on the shoulder, a smile, a cup of soup, a bit of cash. This week is especially hard for so many lonely folk.
You can be an angel to someone, even in a small, small way.
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