Johnston Original Art Dolls

I was in Beverly Hills the other day and had to stop to put gasoline in my car before starting for home (about 30 minutes North if there's no traffic; an hour or more with). A woman was leaning against a wall with her back to me, watching some sort of activity in the field on the other side. She was dressed in many layers of shabby dirty garments and was standing next to a shopping cart filled with her 'things'. I filled up my tank and then checked my purse for cash. I normally don't give money to panhandlers, but this woman was different; she wasn't begging. She was just minding her own business, but it was clear she could use some help. I started my car and drove up close to where she was standing. I rolled down my window, caught her attention, and asked if I could help her. She acted very surprised to have someone talk to her and ask her such a question. I gave her the only cash I had (a ten dollar bill) and she nearly cried when she saw it. She blessed me many times and appeared genuinely thankful. In all the times I've handed money to people on the street, I've never felt it was as appreciated as it seemed to be this time. It may not have made a big or lasting difference in this woman's life, but I certainly felt more human and caring for having done it. Maybe I needed that moment more than she did.