I took one of my daughters to a recurring weekly appointment. As is our habit before these events we stopped and got tasty beverages together to enjoy while we waited for her time slot.
On this particular day in mid-July in central Oregon it was 98°F, and not a lick of wind.
For reasons I can’t explain, I bought two bottled iced tea drinks for myself instead of just one. I dropped my daughter off then went off to run some errands.
At the first errand I parked my car, got out, and noticed a homeless man sitting in the corner of the parking lot. He was covered with sun burns, some with blistering. He was struggling to stay in the little shade afforded by a single tree. I asked him if he was thirsty and offered him the second tea that I’d bought. He accepted it, gratefully, stood there in silence with me as he drank half of it, then he walked off in tears.
Most any other time this would not have happened. I normally just carry a water bottle that I fill at home. But on that particular day I felt compelled to buy that second drink. It felt important.
Chris is a single/solo father of 5 amazing kiddos and solo magic practitioner for nearly 30 years.
