John

I met John on Broadway.  He has been living on the streets of Salem, Oregon for the last five years.  John told me he has cared for several dying family members over the years and exhausted all of his resources in an attempt to make their lives better.  His last remaining family member is his mom, who lives in Portland and John recently learned she is dying also.  

"I don't have any way to get up there to see her, but I'm going to try to bum a ride if I can," he said.  "She's all I got left."  I asked John what his biggest struggles were living in the streets.  "Staying warm and dry, and not getting robbed," he replied.  "And being alone.  It hurts to be alone," he said, pounding in his chest.  

When I left John he shouted out a big "Thank you!" to me several times.  I paused and asked why he was thanking me.  "For talking to me," he replied.  "For taking the time." 

Yesterday I posted that I believe we can never say thank you enough. I believe it now, more than ever.  I thanked John for his conversation and we both vowed to meet again.