About a year ago, I started going to a laundromat. Clothes, sheets, towels, and comforters are being washed at the same time while I do my daily fast walk. I set my timer, head back, put everything in the dryers, and walk again.
I’m home in an hour and a half with everything neatly folded and 3.5 miles walked, and it’s only 7:30 in the morning! I often see the same people there, and we say hello and go about our business.
Today I was there by myself, which is common at 6:00 in the morning, and a young man, presumably homeless, walked in. I was putting my clothes in the dryer at that point, about to leave and do my second walk.
My thoughts were not gracious, and I was a volunteer at the local homeless shelter for 2.5 years, and I have had challenging times myself, so I understand the Park Avenue-to-park-bench well. I also understand that people can be desperate.
He was at the end of the row of washing machines, and I was a little fearful he might need some of my blankets, etc., so I didn’t head out for my last walk when my clothes were drying. He walked to the end of the row of washers and was washing his clothes in the sink.
I sat there, watching this, and had a deep feeling of shame.
I walked over to him, staying about 10 feet away so as not to startle him, and frankly, who knows what kind of reception he gets many days? I said, excuse me (he was concentrating), he looked up, and I said I don’t want to be presumptuous, but we’ve all had hard times in our lives, and if it’s helpful to you, may I pay for a washer and dryer for you? He smiled at me, and I can’t quite explain the look on his face. Surprise, I guess, would be the word. He said, no thank you. I have it covered, but thank you so much, really, thank you. I said you’re welcome and went for my walk. When I returned, he was finished at the sink and came up to me and asked me if I could spare some laundry soap, which, of course, I could.
I finished my walk, put my clothes in my car, and I was hoping to see him again. His clothes were still washing, but he wasn’t there. I just wanted to wish him well and offer to help him somehow, but I didn’t get the chance. Perhaps just as well, I’m not sure. Maybe we had our moment together. I offered him kindness, but he offered me a profound lesson, one that I knew and understood, but clearly needed a reminder.
Kindness first.
