A man called Peter

After returning from vacation I was shocked and saddened by the news from our building doorkeeper, Mr. Mack, that a homeless man who frequents my neighborhood had died. I had no relationship with this man, but he would always, no matter what season of the year, go out of his way to speak to me and acknowledge my presence.

On a few occasions when I wasn't so consumed with my own world, I would acknowledge him by speaking or gesturing. Many of the young adults in the neighborhood, along with police officers, knew him and were fond of Peter. He didn't, to my knowledge, pose any threat to anyone but always friendly and willing to carry on a conversation.

So why did I feel shocked and saddened by the news he had passed? There are so many people in our lives on a daily basis who go unnoticed by us, because we are so busy pursuing our own personal agendas.

Could it be that these people actually have something to offer? Is it possible that we should take time to develop a relationship and a friendship with those we often ignore? After all, isn't that what society is all about? Isn't everyone important?

Also, when I see someone being savaged or mistreated, I say to myself that was once a cute little baby that everyone adored. I wonder what happened to them along life's journey and I wonder if I contributed in a negative way. We all have the ability to be positive forces in our environment and positive influences in the lives of others. Let us make a commitment today to be friendly to the Peters in our lives.

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