I feel like keep ranting about this, so buckle up.
In June, I was at a coffee shop having brunch and doing some work with my sister. We were not having mimosas nor fancy waffles, just scrambled eggs and a bagel because money is tight right now, but we still wanted to do something nice together.
An elderly man entered the coffee shop. He was selling t-shirts and asked me if I wanted to buy one. He could only accept cash. In Latin America, it is not uncommon to see elderly people, or even children, working as street vendors. They walk under the sun selling t-shirts, brooms, toys, you name it, and they don’t even earn minimum wage.
I of course told him I didn’t have cash, but my heart ached because why should a man who seemed old enough to be my grandfather work under the sun, walking miles every day, because he can’t afford to live?
The waiter of the coffee shop saw him and asked if he wanted a coffee. The man said that would be nice, so he sat down and they served him a cappuccino with a small cookie. He then turned around and saw my sister’s bagel, and asked me how much it cost. When I told him the price, I asked him if he wanted to order one and he said, "I can’t afford it.”
Money was tight, and when I first came into the coffee shop, I was planning on only spending on my meal and the tip for the waiter. But seeing how the waiter selflessly offered him a free coffee, and understanding that I, compared to him, have a stable income and I have the privilege to go to a coffee shop without looking at my bank account, I decided to pay for this man’s meal.
I was raised Catholic, and I know that you’re not supposed to talk about your good deeds, but honestly, fuck that shit.
Seeing the kindness of the waitress made me want to be kind, for a man I already felt bad for.
And while I could’ve hidden behind the “I don’t have any cash on me.” Or convinced myself that with the coffee they gave to this man, it was enough. I couldn’t help but feel sick to my stomach at the thought of inaction.
When the man finished his meal, he thanked me, and I thanked him and wished him well.
When I paid for my meal, I told the waiter I thought it was amazing what he did for this elder man. He mentioned it’s a common practice for them. They give free coffees to any street vendor that walks into the shop.
I’m glad they do, because that small act of kindness encouraged me to be kind as well, and I hope if anyone sees this it can also encourage you to be kind.
If you’re at a restaurant with your friends, and you can afford to buy a sandwich or some fries to a person experiencing homelessness, please do.
Donate the clothes that you no longer use to a shelter.
Volunteer in community kitchens.
Sharing things on social media is not enough; it’s the bare minimum, it’s just the first step, and if you stay at that, you’re just performing.