So, my town does a big Holiday event to celebrate. They officially light up downtown and there is music, vendors, performances, etc. On Thursday, we have a huge parade and thousands of people decend. Friday, there is the monthly First Friday.... Again, holiday themed.
I came down tonight to meet up with my parents, who brought Lydia. While walking through the downtown square, I ran into a former church friend that I haven't seen in close to a year. We were catching up and a homeless man walked up to us. At first, we both tensed up... I truly had nothing but my keys and phone, so I knew I wouldn't be able to give him anything. I was prepared to kindly turn him away.
Then, he didn't ask for anything. In his mumbled, clearly incapacitated way, he just stood and talked about how beautiful the park was. He was so animated and excited. He kept saying, "It's so pretty! It's so pretty! They turn off the lights after the New Year. But, it is so pretty until then."
We smiled and agreed and listened. And, then he left. Just smiling.
We didn't say anything. We didn't have to, because our faces after he left said it all.
It was sad. And, slightly shameful. We immediately assumed the worst, when all he wanted was to tell us how pretty his home was for a month.
It also made me sad, because every year I get sad when Christmas comes down. I get kind of depressed.
I never thought about what it is like for them, until right now.
