There is this street lady I talk to sometimes. She has lived on the street for more than a decade. She always recognizes and greets me when she sees me. She is very observant (though most people don't know that because she is so delusional) and sometimes she is the only one who really seems to notice if I am in a sad or upset mood. It is real distressing, sometimes, to talk to her knowing the life she has to lead. But I know she has income; I cashed a check for her one time for $340. People have to be the way they have to be, even her. And I have learned a lot that is valid from her.
Also, whoever knew that Elvis lurks on the streets of Honolulu and comes out at night to swipe the bras of homeless women?
It just has made my life richer to listen to her. It's up to me to sort out what she says... finding color in some things, honest observation in other things.... she has a way of holding up a mirror to me sometimes, virtually, so that I can stop and see who I am in a little different light.