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Does anyone need a reminder that the stock market and per capita GDP numbers are not perfect measures of how people in the economy are doing? Yes? Ok, so we got a call that there was a family living in a van that had been parked in the store parking lot. 1/n
I had noticed the van there for several days but had assumed it was someone who left it there and was then admitted to the hospital (we are across from the hospital and people parking in our lot is not uncommon). 2/n
I approach the car and see A. the windows are steamed up B. people are in the car. So I walk to the front so as to not scare them and knock on the window (being sure to show my illuminated phone so they could see me). No response Except for dogs at the windows. 3/n
Eventually, the driver's side door opens a crack as a man climbs into the front seat (by now I could also see a woman sitting in the passenger seat). "Are you here to help us or to yell at us?" 4/n
"I am here to help you. Are you ok?" "Yes, but our car won't start, we don't have any gas, and we have no money." 5/n
"Where are you trying to go?" "North Dakota to my wife's sister's house. She had a baby girl and we have not seen it yet." (discussion about baby and congratulations etc deleted but the wife was clearly v happy to tell the story! huge smile). (note ND is 1400 miles away!) 6/n
"And you have no money? What are your plans?" "She is playing a video game but every time she gets close to winning some money it shuts her out." 7/n
We talk for a while, I tell the husband I would help if he didn't have a Patriot's sweatshirt on (which broke the ice and he agreed the Bills are better this year, "but only this year". I ask if he is looking for shelter here, but he says no, they really want to get to ND. 8/n
So I get them some gas money, jump start their car, and given them so granola bars and 2 cookies that I had in my car and wish them well. I surely hope they make it. 9/n
I fear it is going to be a very long 1400 miles in a minivan with over 200,000 miles on it, no cash, and 5 dogs (he said they may sell some of the puppies if they need to). I have experienced a lot (indeed it is a joke that things like this just happen to me),... 10/n
...but I do not know if I have ever seen something that reminded me of the stories of the Great Depression more than this. It was literally the Grapes of Wrath in the flesh. I wish I had done more They should be approaching the Ohio border right now. 11/n
So celebrate when you see the S&P is hitting new all-time highs, but also remember that there are people homeless with no good options all around and we all need to lend a helping hand when we can. 12/12. Be kind to one another. Love all, serve all!
