Hudson

When I was little, I drove my dad crazy by waiting until the last minute to tell him I needed money for a school trip or to buy something extra. It wasn't that he didn't have it. I am guessing that I forgot once until last minute and then he yelled at me for forgetting to tell him earlier. I then hated to ask him because I was afraid he'd yell again. But I would ask late and of course, he would yell. Vicious cycle. I still hate to ask anyone for anything. Would rather figure it out on my own or suffer. It is just who I am.

Yesterday I was driving through Hudson on my way to a doctor's appointment. It is a quaint little town with a cupcake shop, a private boarding school and above average income levels. The McDonalds even blends into the community. So as I drove passed the McDonalds, I saw a man with a sign asking for money. Not even sure what it said, I was too surprised to read it. I just couldn't believe it in Hudson.

So what to do? Part of me wants to give him every dollar I have. The other part of me says that his sign looks old and he begs for a career. But what if he doesn't? What if his family needs food or medicine. I have more than I need. I should give more to others. But then what if it goes to alcohol and drugs? But what if it doesn't?

We all are faced with this downtown. We look the other way. We say we donate more to the Cleveland Food Bank. We throw a few dollars into the saxophone players case. We feel good if we give a few away. But to see it in the suburbs, it is a shocker.

I still feel torn up a little today. I guess all I can do is say a little prayer for the man, bring more food into our church collection and send off a check to the Cleveland Food Bank. Times are tough for so many and even in the suburbs, people are in need. I hate to ask anyone for money. But I will ask you to do a little more. Whatever you do. Let's all give a few extra cans to the pantries. Donate a little more at the grocery store when they collect for the Food Bank. And remember those that are struggling around us. Yes, even in Hudson.