Doing the right thing

Alex came home with another great report from Rainbow.

The report read: Alex has had a good afternoon. He listened to the story well. Alex chose to play in the new home corner. He painted. A good start to the new term.

Such an encouraging report and we have faith that things will get better. I believe going away from his comfort zone and a little bit of sunshine helped our son to grow and mature. 

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I went out for a movie with my girlfriend Jane, tonight. Something happened ...... I don't know how to explain this but I saw a different side of myself and discovered that Jane and I are quite similar.

Jane and I agreed to meet at the Oracles at 5:30pm and we both arrived earlier. I rang her and she was in Boots while I was just getting out of the car. We decided to meet at Debenhams. I had to cross a bridge to meet her and I saw a homeless man sitting by the bench shivering. It was -2 degree Celsius and I could see this man struggling to keep warm even with a coat on. For what reason he sat there I do not know but I had to get away from the cold. I could not stop thinking of him and I felt a certain sadness in me. 

We had to cross the bridge again to go over the other side for dinner and cinema. I saw the man again and stopped. I told Jane I had to give him some money to get a coffee or something to keep warm. I could only find two pounds in the dark and gave it to him. Jane started digging as well and the man said don't worry as he doesn't want money. Jane gave him a couple of pounds as well as she couldn't find much in her purse. The man gave us a nod thanking us and I believe that if he had a choice, he wouldn't be sitting in the cold. He doesn't look like a typical homeless man .... he was well kempt but I guess there is a story behind this. I guess he could be one affected by this dreadful economy or he is down on his luck. 

Anyway, we went for dinner and where we sat, Jane could see this man. He sat there for awhile and a man walked over to him and they talked for a few minutes. Jane could not sit still as she used to be a social worker and knew what its like to be homeless. We discussed if we should get this man some food as the money we gave him isn't enough to get a cup of coffee in this area. I knew she is not going to rest until she get this man some food. 

When we got out of the restaurant, he was still sitting on the bench. Jane and I went the other way to get to McDonalds to get this man some food and tea. When we got the food and walked over to the bridge, the man left.

Both Jane and I were disappointed but we hope the best for this man. Perhaps, he was invited to a shelter and keep warm for the night? From the way he was dressed, this is a new thing for him. His duffel bag looked clean and his Jacket as well. Perhaps ..... he just lost his job and his home ..... I do not know but I pray that this man will be OK.