Nov 25, 2008

today i cried ... twice.

1. as i buttoned a fairly new J.Crew coat - popped open my trendy checked umbrella, and carefully folded an expensive pair of jeans to keep them from dragging on the wet pavement i was overcome with tears.

a woman huddled in layers of rags tucked in a filthy corner and soaked by the cold rain, lay alone on 27th street, trying desperately to rest. from her scent and appearance, this wasn't the first time she hadn't shelter for the night. i was ashamed of my jeans ... i wanted to give away the expensive cupcakes in my hand ... and felt terribly guilty for every feeling anything other than extreme gratitude for the job that i have.

2. then i came home this evening to turn on the news ... and a dismal report filled all absurd inches of our screen. food banks are seeing 40% increases in needy patrons - with 1 in 8 Americans living on the brink of hunger.

we hear of this financial crisis and we talk about how frightening it is, but so many of us are lucky enough to not see the effects of this crash in our lives. we have our homes. we have our jobs. we live so far above the poverty standard that our wealth may even be unfathomable to those who live below. and sometimes it makes me cry.

if you or someone you know is hungry ... please call me. you are always welcome to come to dinner at my house.

9 comments:

Shannon said...

What a great post. Did Val or Laura tell you about the TA food drive?

Shannon said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
laura said...

and now you've made ME cry.

Alexandra said...

this is really sweet.

Brooklyn said...

I've always been impressed with how keenly you think of others. I think it's a talent of yours.

Oliver & Margy said...

You are so kind. If only more New Yorkers could be like you (then maybe the Wal-Mart guy would be alive). What a world.

Jordan and Candice said...

Thank you for posting this. I always appreciate it when I can have a reality check and remember all the things I have been blessed with.

Brittmae said...

I totally know how you feel. Thanks for the great Xmas season thought--needed that. So where are you working now? And you have your own elliptical machine? So jealous... I love ellipsing...I can read...

Alison said...

After spending the last hour complaining that I can no longer spend $160 on my hair, because "i'm poor" and that I have to go to someone cheap (i.e. under $100) I pretty much wanted to go shave my head to punish myself after reading this post. we are so blessed.