take the time

I  just got back from a morning walk, which took me past a bike lane underpass. Two young homeless men were camped out there with a spread of tents, shopping carts, and a dog. They were out working on their stuff. One was shirtless. I stopped briefly, said hello, exchanged beautiful weather comments, said, "Be safe", and went on my way.

Walking back home and past them again, I hollered, "Don't get a sunburn!"

"I already got one!" the shirtless man said, grinning back.

"Ach. Okay. Well take care of yourselves!" They waved back. 10 seconds later I hear footsteps running up behind me.

"Excuse me ma'am!"

I stopped and faced the shirtless one as he approached, thinking he was going to ask me for something.

He has something in his hand.  "Most people are rude. So......"

Then he handed me this watch - the one on the right. He wanted to GIVE me something, out of his treasure.

"Oh! Thank you!" I said. And hugged him. And put it on.

"Oh," he said. "And it's not stolen. I found it."

"Well, I didn't go there," I said."

"Well, some things just have to be said," he assured me.

It's a cheapy little thing without a crystal. But how precious. The treasure is not in the value of the object. The treasure is in a heart that was touched, simply by words spoken, human to human. I'll wear it because I need to remember this young man, and the response of the human heart, no matter the race, creed or color,  to respect and simple kindness.