GIVING JUST GOT EASIER...I THINK!? So this weekend started on a very sour note! On Saturday shortly after the end of our first snow storm, I totaled my car in a spin out on the LIE. Luckily I walked away without a scratch or bruise but needless to say it put quite a damper on my spirits. Today, I came into the City to go to a play ( I purposely chose Sunday because I could drive in and park my car with little hassle). But without my trusted hooptie of 12 years, I had to ride the train. I'm a real NYer but I hate the subway. So after the show and dinner, I begrudgingly get back on the F train to Queens for the long ride home. I missed the train and must wait for the next, whenever that will be. Waiting on the platform, I noticed an old woman layered in men's clothing and tattered gloves with sneakers that had clearly outlived any real usefulness, because the top was separating from the sole. She carried an overstuffed children's napsack, adorned with Dora the Explorer and was struggling to get her arm into the garbage can a remove a black bag which she apparently believed had food in it. This is precisely why I hate the subway, it is a shocking reminder of the separation between "the have" and "the have nots"! On any given day you can see some well dressed man or woman toting a designer bag filled with electronic gadgets and financial portfolios passing by someone whose life and personal belongings are toted in black garbage bags...But I digress... I make eye contact with her and step a little closer to her saying, "Are you hungry momma"? She lowers her head and says yes,yes, or rather "Si,Si". I offer her a bag of grapes I had packed in my bag as a snack, which she reluctantly takes, then I reach into my pocket to give her $3. She takes the money but tries to give me back $2, saying that she doesn't want to make me poor! I smile and tell her it is ok, take the money and God Bless. She scurries off, a lot faster than I thought she could move. Perhaps she was younger than her hard life could display. Before the next train arrives, I see her back on the platform with a buttered roll - not sure where she got it so fast, but I could see the relief and gratitude in her face for her simple meal. Wow! I finally see why we are doing this! It was an overwhelming feeling to step outside of myself and my funky attitude to bring a moment of comfort to another person. Even more amazing is that even though I was trying to help her, she didn't want to put me out. It was just a humbling moment, for which I was more grateful to her for allowing me to help than she was with her bread and butter. Giving just got a little easier...at least I hope. 1 week down and 51 more to go :)