This evening after work something happened that I feel I need to share. I was sitting in my car at Tallaght Shopping Centre car park when a man tapped on my window. He said quietly, excuse me sir, could you spare some change for a burger, I’m homeless.
My first reaction was no mate, I’m sorry, I’ve no change. His reply struck me. He smiled, said no problem sir, thank you very much and I apologise for asking you. Then he wished me a great day and walked away across the car park.
For a moment I sat there thinking. Then I noticed he was heading towards McDonald’s in Tallaght Square. Something told me this man was genuine. My first thought had been he’s maybe just looking for money for drink or drugs but watching him I realised he was actually hungry.
I drove across to McDonald’s and found him searching the ground for loose coins. I pulled up beside him and said listen mate I’m often sceptical of giving money to people because I worry it might be spent on the wrong thing. I apologised and asked if I could buy him the burger instead. His face lit up and he simply said thank you so much.
We walked into McDonald’s together. His name was Nathan. I told him to order whatever he wanted. He asked for a Big Mac meal and when the girl at the counter said would you like to go large he glanced at me. I smiled and told him go ahead mate. He was so grateful. Even when asking for salt and ketchup he was polite and respectful.
I asked if I could join him and we sat down for a chat. Nathan told me he lost his brother two years ago and his sister just a month ago. He now sleeps rough behind a school with nothing but a sleeping bag. My heart broke listening to him.
I asked if it was alright to take his photo and share his story so people could see that not everyone on the streets is a junkie or a thief. Some are simply people who have lost everything and need a bit of kindness.
It only took twenty minutes of my time and a few euro to help Nathan and sit with him for a while. As I got up to leave he shook my hand and said thanks so much Liam and God bless you. Those words meant more than he will ever know.
I am not telling this to be a hero. Anyone who knows me knows that is not who I am. I simply wanted to give one of our own a dig out. None of us know when our luck could change.
Maybe sharing this will make someone else think twice before judging. Never judge a book by its cover. Sometimes a small act of kindness can mean the world.