Touched by the Homeless
#1: Tall as a Mountain
Autumn of 2001, Madrid, Spain
By CRISTINA MURATET
I didn’t see him sleeping in the box, but my dog sensed his presence and barked, startling him.
I wasn’t expecting to see a 6-foot man crawl out of a refrigerator box, and I stood still, staring. The big-city rules remained in my mind: you don’t stare, you don’t smile. That night however, I stood still, staring. My dog, like any female cocker spaniel, hid behind my legs, fearing a menace but not brave enough to fight for me.
I suddenly remembered him. We had crossed paths before - me on my way back home, he on his way to the park, where he spent the nights.
An apology was in order, since it had been my dog that woke him up, and trying to force her to keep quiet, I mumbled.
“It’s all right” he said, “They always fear me until I pet them.” And he bent before me, his bare palm open toward my dog. I was afraid that she would bite him, but she sniffed and let him pat her head and squeeze her big ears.
“Good dog” he whispered. “We all want the same, huh? A kind hand to touch us.” Relieved with the outcome, I nodded. “Yes, we do.”
Relief soon disappeared when the man stood up, tall as a mountain, and looked straight into my eyes. All the news stories came racing to my head, and when he politely asked, “Could you?” I didn’t know what he meant.
It wasn’t until he wrapped his arms around me that I realized what he was asking for. His need for human contact overpowering my fear, I hugged him back with an honesty I saved for lovers and, irresponsible as that might have been, I don’t think I have ever been held with more genuine care or more human decency.
Cristina Muratet was born in Madrid in 1979. Her first career choice was teaching, but she abandoned it for Web design and later on for scriptwriting. She’s been writing stories since she was taught the alphabet.
#2: Moses or Man?
1999, St. Louis, Missouri
By MICHELE L. TUNE
Swerving onto the convenience store parking lot, I jumped out of my car and ran into the intersection to help him. He was old and weary, and he’d fallen.
He lay there, trying to get up. Passersby mocked. My heart ached.
Stench plastered the inside of my nostrils and hit my stomach like a ton of bricks.
“Let me help you up, sir.”
Gratitude glistened in his tired eyes.
Locking my strength beneath his armpits, I pulled him onto his feet.
His wooden staff lay nearby. Was it as tall as me? I handed it to him.
My eyes scaled his gargantuan height, trying not to stare at his filthy trench coat and greasy beard. Not from rudeness but with awe. He looked like Moses.
He started walking.
“Please, let me drive you.”
“No, I’ll walk.”
I pleaded. Still, he said no.
As I watched him disappear, tears gushed from my eyes, burning my flesh like the hatred that had eaten holes in my soul.
Moses was gone. My bitterness was gone. I crumpled on that city street, realizing what had transpired. I didn’t help that man. He was an angel; he helped me.
Horns blowing snapped me back to reality. I drove out of that city, forever changed.
Editor’s note: We asked the writer how this event changed her, and she replied that she soon thereafter left an abusive relationship and lost 100 pounds. “Meeting Moses was my crossroads. Had I not met him, I would have died. This epiphany brought more than tears, more than an experience; it cultivated hope in my heart and soul. It saved my life.”
Michele L. Tune is a freelance writer. Her inspirational articles have been published on many Web sites and are included in several anthologies. You can visit her blog, Writing the Cyber Highway.
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23 Responses to “Touched by the Homeless”
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October 15th, 2007 at 3:19 am
Dear Michele,
You’ve written a most touching story! You’ve brought Moses to life. Isn’t it funny that helping someone else, ends up helping us? Sometimes angelscome in disguise. Loved it!
Renie
October 15th, 2007 at 3:22 am
Cristina,
A hug can be so healing, can’t it? Loved your story.
Renie
October 15th, 2007 at 7:06 am
Cristina,
Your story is phenomenal! Thanks for sharing!
October 15th, 2007 at 9:18 am
Thank you for your kind words, Renie! Yes, angels can come in disguise. I’ll always believe “Moses” was my angel. I’m forever indebted to him…
October 15th, 2007 at 9:39 am
Cristina and Michele,
Loved both of your stories. It always amazes me that those dark corners we often try to ignore are often filled with moments that will forever change us… if we stop and let them. Glad you both did.
October 15th, 2007 at 9:54 am
Michele,
This is awesome. I’ve also been visited by angels. Sometimes we just need a helping hand to get us through the hard times. Remember, my friend, climbing mountains make us stronger. You’ve walked through the fire. A wonderful posting. Thanks for sharing.
October 15th, 2007 at 10:00 am
Christina,
I’m glad that you ignored the rules and gave that man a hug. Human touch is necessary for survival. He probably hadn’t been hugged in years. This is a great story and one that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Mary
October 15th, 2007 at 4:10 pm
Hi Amy,
Thank you for your kind words about my story. I agree, it’s those dark corners– the hardest times of our lives–when miracles like Moses appear and etch transformation deep into our hearts and souls forever.
I’m truly appreciative of that day, and the fact that Moses softened my heart and made me realize my life wasn’t over. Meeting him, gazing into his tender eyes, gave me a glimpse into my future and a shimmer of hope.
I thank God that I stopped. I’ve never been the same since.
Blessings,
Michele
October 15th, 2007 at 4:19 pm
Hello Mary,
I appreciate you taking the time to read my little story, and for leaving such a nice comment.
Yes, Moses was my visiting angel, my helping hand….
Oh, I have climbed mountains, and I realize I’m stronger for it–stronger than I ever thought I’d be.
Indeed, I have walked through the fire but I’m more than ok. My writing dreams are coming true. I have so much to be thankful for!
Thanks again, Mary.
Smiles,
Michele
October 15th, 2007 at 7:08 pm
Christina and Michele,
Saddly, the down-trodden are often ignored by people all over the world. Everyday, more people join the sorrowful ranks of being homeless. It is decency and compassion that maketh a man or woman; not youth, riches, fine homes, or social status. Society could learn much from those who have nothing.
October 15th, 2007 at 7:39 pm
Deborah,
You are right. Some of the richest people in the world don’t even have a bank account. I can’t tell you how many homeless families there are in my area. Seriously, we’ve helped a lot of them and will continue to help others. There’s no greater gift than giving.
I use to be more of a material girl. I learned the hard way that things are nothing without the people you love to share them with.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment.
October 16th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
Michele,
How fascinating to see others had similar experiences. I can truly understand how it changed your life, and I’m so glad it happened. Fascinating.
October 16th, 2007 at 8:45 pm
Thank you, Cristina. I was so excited to read your story and notice the similarities. Your experience was very touching and fascinating as well.
I’m so glad it happened, too.
October 18th, 2007 at 6:12 pm
Michele,
I’m so glad Renie sent me over to read your story. What an inspiration and well told! I enjoyed reading it. It proves that sometimes, when we think we are helping someone, it turns out that they are helping us. Thank you.
October 18th, 2007 at 7:57 pm
Hello Tina,
I’m so glad Renie sent you over as well! Thank you for your kind words about my story. I appreciate it.
I thrive on encouraging others! It truly is my heart’s desire to inspire my readers, so I’m pleased you feel I’ve done just that.
You are right, Tina. Most times when we think we are helping someone, they really are helping us instead.
Blessings,
Michele
October 24th, 2007 at 12:57 pm
Christina and Michele,Thank you both for sharing your stories.
It is amazing how a hug can make a person feel great,Homeless or not! I enjoy hugs,I give them willing and accept them just as willingly.
Peole come into our lives when we need them the most,and I believe that angles come in all forms.
I am constanly amazed how we can help each other,with kind acts as giveing a hug or helping a person who is down,and may need a hand up.
God Bless the both of you,I look forward to more stories from the both oy you.Mike G.
October 24th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
Mike,
Thank you for your wise thoughts and words of encouragement. I also believe angels come in all forms and we never know when we’re “entertaining them.” I believe I was in the presence of an angel that day, and he happened to present himself as a homeless man who looked like Moses (my favorite Bible character, other than Jesus, by the way). So, I know I was being watched over and nudged in the right direction. I’m forever thankful for the epiphany that transpired in that moment…
Many blessings,
Michele Tune
November 11th, 2007 at 1:59 am
Your story ‘Touched by the homless’ gave me goose bumps, they are still there as I type this. Absolutly beautiful.
November 11th, 2007 at 2:19 pm
Hi Amber,
Thank you for your feedback. Your kind and generous compliment of my little story about being touched by the homeless has truly warmed my heart and made my confidence soar!
I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to read my story and leave such a heartfelt comment. You’ve made my day!
Smiles,
Michele
November 18th, 2007 at 5:06 pm
Michele.I truely know that there are angels around us,one led me to a beutiful person who became my wife.She and I have been married for 27 years this year.we both try to take of each oter,the past year and a half she has been takeing care of me more than I of her.If the seizures ever stop than we will be back to doing the things we used to.Mike G.
November 18th, 2007 at 8:59 pm
Mike,
Thank you for your comment. It sounds to me like you’re married to an angel!
Blessings,
Michele
December 8th, 2007 at 6:27 pm
Michele,
What an amazing story! Thanks for sharing it!
Jeanne
December 9th, 2007 at 8:18 am
Thank you, Jeanne! I’m glad you enjoyed “meeting Moses.”
Blessings,
Michele