Was I wrong?

[Jeimuzu]

To be honest, all not buying them them would do would mean they'd spend more of what little cash they can scrape together on beer. This way, they can perhaps afford to spend a little more food.

Them having one less pack of ciggies or a couple less beers isn't going to rehouse them or make them any happier. As it stands, all you can do is give them a day of relative comfort.

What you gave them would really matter... when you have very little, the tiniest act of generosity suddenly becomes the thing which turns your day from being bad into being wonderful.

 

[GL]

I think what you did was a wonderful gesture.

Whether or not you were an 'enabler' or not isn't all that important in my opinion. As I see it, it's not up to you to decide what they should or should not do. Free will and all... It's a personal decision. I do think that your kindness was something that they will appreciate in their own way.

 

[letme]

I think you are a better man then me.

I just hope it was a good brand of smokes & beer. !!!!!

 

[teddy14]

who cares what you bought them, we all please ourselves in different ways. You did the right thing in my book. Even if they are alcoholics and who are we to say thats wrong? Live and let live thats what I say

 

[justsimon]

To be honest, all not buying them them would do would mean they'd spend more of what little cash they can scrape together on beer. This way, they can perhaps afford to spend a little more food.

Them having one less pack of ciggies or a couple less beers isn't going to rehouse them or make them any happier. As it stands, all you can do is give them a day of relative comfort.

What you gave them would really matter... when you have very little, the tiniest act of generosity suddenly becomes the thing which turns your day from being bad into being wonderful.

Agreed. You did a wonderful thing.

 

[gmoney]

Shaun, you are an amazing man! I got chills just reading what you did for these guys. The beer and cigarettes to me, is a non-issue. They'd find a way to get that anyhow. I'm sure they will remember you and what you did to bring a little pleasure to their lives.

I hope I continue to hear positive updates as to your recovery. The passion you retain for humanity should be an inspiration to us all.

 

[123kid]

Last evening I was coming home from a Doctors appointment with a friend when we stopped at a little mini-mart truck stop place for milk.

I'm still on a walker so it takes me some time to get from car into store.
Two abvious cold, dirty, tired and hungry homeless men stopped me and ask if I had a cigarette. I'm not a smoker so I could not help.

I went ahead and made my purchases, those two guys were really on my mind. This place had showers to be purchased for the truck drivers. I went and ask in a friendly tackfull way, if they would like a hot shower..they accepted and thanked me.

Now mind you, (and I don't want to sound judgemental) that these guys were dysfunctional to say the least...smelling of alcohol and the whole thing.

While they were upstairs showering, I bought a few grocerie items for them, including some hot deli food. Now....I also bought a couple (2) beers and put them in the sack, as well as a pack of smokes. (holy crap cigs are spendy).

I ask the clerk to give them the sack when they were finished and we left.

When we got in the car, my friend, made it a point to tell me that buying them beer and cigarettes is only enabling them..and I was wrong to aid their dependencys.

One of my greatest pleasures, is being able to help someone in a small way..I felt guilty and bad after we left.

I just think that these two guys are having a really HARD time...(it's not my job to judge them rather or not it is their own doing?) but I just felt if I could ease their misery just for a few hours, I could feel good about it....

My friend and I exchanged a few words...voiced our opinions and let it drop..

What you say...Was I wrong about the beer and cigs?????

ummm well i certainly didn't see your friend giving something to these guys, so certainly he shouldn't judge

 

[Riverrick]

That was a nice thing you did. I'm sure it was much appreciated.

It was better that you just went with your gut rather than overthinking the situation. Trust your instincts.

 

[triple7]

I think that was incredibly thoughtful of you. Reminds me of a story a friend told me of when he took a homeless person out to lunch. This world needs some more compassion.

 

[operafan]

I wouldn't have helped the guys in the first place, so any and all of your actions were those of a kind and generous person.

I'm glad to hear that your recovery is progressing. I'm sure the nights are long. I'm sorry you are going through this and hope that each day gets better and better.