Sometimes listening can be giving.

Salutations from the ocean. (I wrote this last week on vacation/work) It was 85 degrees, the wind was blowing as I was watching the yachts come into the bay. The largest boat show in the world was gearing up right in front of our hotel. These vessels were voluminous at best. I was sitting on the dock reflecting on the day. I looked over and under the bridge was a homeless man. He appeared to be getting his fishing pole ready to fish. He saw my glance, and waved his hand, I waved back. I then walked over and looked at him. Right away, I wanted to help. I offered him some money, he looked at me and said he was fine. He then started asking me questions. I answered all of the questions. I found myself sitting next to him on the pier, and we talked shop about fishing, and the different types of fish that could be caught in the ocean. I had taken my helper hat off (as my wife begs me to do when on vacation and just relax) and listened. He apparently had another peer, down the pier, who was his friend and they would go from bridge to bridge for sleeping. I apologized for offering money, and he said it was ok. I then asked if I could buy him some fishing gear, because I wanted to buy some too. He thought that was a good idea after more talking. I gleaned that this person was a school teacher years ago, lost his wife to cancer, and his son was killed in prison. He went through a rough patch with alcohol, and was trying to take day by day. I kept to my word, and did not ask anything about his alcohol behavior. He then shared that he was going into a homeless rehab next Monday, when a bed was available. I kept to my word, and did not ask anything about his alcohol behavior. He then went on to talk about some positive things he was looking forward to doing once in rehab. He then caught a fish, reeled it in, I was able to take off the hook for him. My son was calling for me down the dock, and I thanked the man for his company. Sometimes listening can be giving. Stay in your health, stay in the moment.