All in the Family?

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Just before heading out the other day in the Wheeled Manor to revisit the northern Oregon coast, we stopped by Micky D's for a sausage burrito or two. I stayed in the Manor while my Partner for Life (PFL) headed inside for the goodies.

As my PFL walked toward the entrance, I noticed a stranger leaning against a car in the lot. The car had out of State plates on it and he was about 30 or so. The car looked decent, but was packed with possessions. He looked clean, but probably would enjoy a hot shower.

When my PFL passed by, the stranger approached her. I watched as my PFL did exactly as trained, and raised her flat palm toward him much like a cop would direct a car to stop. He just walked away from her and later drove off without trying his luck with anyone else. I was proud of my PFL.

But, I couldn't help to wonder more about that guy. He certainly was begging, but he didn't appear to be a career beggar. He seemed to be travelling, or perhaps homeless, but he was new at the game. I wondered where were his parents, or his siblings, or his friends. Did they know what he was doing, or that he could use some help? Would they, or could they, have helped him if they did know? Or does he even want, or would he accept help from his family?

The incident made me reflect back some 25 years ago to a time when I met a woman while patrolling MacArthur Park in Los Angeles. She was in her late 60's and I considered her "elderly" because I was still pretty young at the time. She was pushing a shopping cart with all her worldly possessions from a cluster of bushes where she slept.

I stopped to chat and inquired about her family. She was proud and boasted about her son who was a doctor at UCLA Medical Center, a pretty prestigious place not so far away. So I asked when she last saw him. "Well, it's been almost a year. Last Mother's Day, I think. It was when he brought me a new blanket." I remember that as vivid as the many other contact I've had that you think are more exciting.

But, because I remember it so well, doesn't mean that I understand it. How can a parent, child or sibling not help when they realize their mother, brother or son is living on the street? How can a child let a parent live in the park, just minutes from his estate? Or, do they think it is the State's responsibility to support their family?

I just don't get it. Only in America, but not at the Thought Dock. Family should be the first responders.
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