Just a moment of bittersweet awareness:

We had a marvelous day in San Francisco; beginning with a long run in the morning through Chinatown, up to Coyt Tower, and ending at Pier 1, at the most fabulous organic farmer’s market on the planet… and a light and healthful breakfast. Later in the morning we were mesmerized by the rich history of art and culture displayed at the Asian Art Museum…and savored a light, healthful and delicious noodle bowl lunch there. The afternoon found us at the Strybing Arboretum, where we walked for hours among blooming flowers, singing birds, and luscious gardens.

From the bus ride back to 5th and Market, walking through Union Square, I saw a young woman, sitting on the street corner, with a dog in her lap, reading from a worn book, a couple of bags pulled tightly to her sides, and a sign that said “Hungry, cold, and alone, please help”; she caught my eye, perhaps because of the book, or maybe the dog…

We hurried off to the dinner reservation at a fabulous restaurant that we have enjoyed several times, and savored a divine meal, reveling in the company, delighting in the flavors, celebrating time together in a romantic weekend. Food was left over. We were full. I had it packed up, with the young woman on the corner in mind. She was still there as we went back.

I squatted down next to her and she looked up from her book.  Her blue eyes regarded me cautiously but I could see the warmth there. How heartbreaking. Her dog tentatively wagged it’s tail.  I shared with her that in the bag were yummy, healthy leftovers for her and asked if she was hungry. Of course she was. I asked her if she smoked cigarettes, and she said no she did not, but she could bum one for me if I wanted.  Clarifying my intention, I told her that I would like to help her and was relieved that she would not be spending money on cigarettes… she explained that she gets a room several blocks away, when she collects enough money, where she does not need ID, because she does not have ID, and where they will allow her dog. Reaching into my purse, but holding her eyes, I choked up, and she choked up, and we shared for just a brief moment, a sisterhood and a thread of connectedness. I felt sad, so sad for her plight, but so grateful for the moment she and I shared and for my ability to help her — briefly.