My New Relationship

This relationship is not new, but there has been a new advancement in the relationship.

I could be wrong but I think that most people who live or work in the city have "their" homeless guy (or gal). This is a particular homeless person that you pass everyday. You may acknowledge them, you may not. You may give them money or food, you may not. Nevertheless they are part of your life. My homeless guy stands in front of the Boeing Building. Everyday as people pass he says "Good Morning Young Man" or "Good Morning Young Lady" to every single person. At times people are coming so fast its a whirl wind of pleasantries. Most people don't respond. I always say "Good Morning" and smile. At that particular spot I cross the street. It is not a cross walk so I usually have to wait a bit for traffic. After the first few days he acknowledged me a bit more with some Sweeties and Honey's and some other stuff I can't understand and finally an "I lu yewwww!" as I crossed the street. Now this interaction is our normal morning routine. Oh I forgot to mention that he sounds like Billy Bob Thorton in Sling Blade! I still just say "Good Morning" but my smile has moved to more of a laugh. I wish you could experience this. It makes my morning. There are days that I am just not in the mood for him, but I walk by anyway and by the time I am across the street my mood is lifted. I just can't help it. He is so priceless.

I know I am not the only one he loves so today I was caught off guard a bit. As I passed he starts saying things I hadn't heard before. Not the sweeties and the honey's and the usual garble I can't understand. So I say "What?" and walk closer. As a side note I have never given him anything, no money, no food, nothing. So today he tells me that he is going to be having surgery tomorrow, so after tomorrow I will not see him for the rest of the week. He reiterated, "You will see me tomorrow morning but not for the rest of the week." I just said "Oh No! Good Luck. I will definitely come by tomorrow morning to see you." He said a few things I didn't understand something about praying for him I think. Then off I went across the street with his "I lu yewww" trailing behind.

Now what do I do? Should I get him something? I don't even know what that would be. I know he likes to smoke but that's not appropriate. Maybe some food? I am at a loss. Maybe just a good luck with your surgery and see you soon.