A crisp chill filled the air as I hurriedly walked down the street headed to warmth. In a city away from my home, I decided to grab breakfast on the way back to the hotel.
As I drew near to my lodgings, I heard a voice call out, “Did you get those donuts for me?”
I looked around and saw a homeless man sitting on the sidewalk.
I smiled at him and said, “I absolutely did!”
I gave him my muffin and my scarf and gloves. And I suddenly didn’t notice the cold at all. Rather my mind filled with worries for this nameless man on the streets.
The next day, I looked for him on that street corner but he was not there. Rather, it was filled with people rushing to work. I wondered where he went for the night. I did not see him again. I said a silent prayer that he was alive.
But, he is just one such homeless man. In the streets there are many as well as women and children. People scramble for food and shelter as the surrounding world searches for holiday sales. People are stressed preparing for celebrations with loved ones. Their stress is over the treasures they seek. Meanwhile, others wish for a warm cup of soup.
For many, the Christmas tree must be perfect or they feel they have failed. While some mothers feel failure because their children need food. The holiday tables are pretty and loaded with succulent foods. The streets where some live are cold and hard with no love around.
Children dream of the gifts Santa will bring. Some children get none but not because they were bad. Rather, it is just out of poverty. For some children, their dreams are gone and they no longer hope.
As doctors and other professionals, we are in a unique position to witness very real human suffering. We see it every day in the exam room and we treat and cure these ills. Yet, many people in need will never cross our doors or anyone else’s for that matter. They do not have the means or belief that anyone cares.
We are not all called to be servants of the poor or missionaries. But, what if each one of us helped just a little? For us, it may be a small sacrifice but it will be a whole world for those who have nothing. There are many ways to step up to the plate: volunteer a few hours, donate a few bucks, give a toy to a child who otherwise would get none. And we can encourage our staff and kids to give a little as well. If we all step outside of ourselves for just a few moments this holiday season, we can make Santa very real. Some people think he doesn’t exist. But, he does and he is us if we make it happen.
As we gather to celebrate with our loved ones, let’s remember the forgotten. And not just this time of year but every day. As for me, I will never forget the man who maybe now is wearing my scarf and gloves. Not just because I worry about him, but because I wish I gave more.
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2015 Linda Girgis, MD, FAAFP
