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I really enjoy putting birdseed out on out back patio. It’s fun to watch the different birds fly in and help themselves to the food. We have bluejays, cardinals, doves, pigeons, finches, and grackles – lots of grackles. One Saturday morning I was drinking coffee and watching the birds when I noticed one grackle in particular. He was large, black and only had one leg. After that, I developed a weekend ritual – get up, put on a pot of coffee, put out birdseed and wait for my friend. I always smiled when he showed up. Having one leg didn’t seem to bother him. He fought for food, played in the water and chattered like everyone else.
I have another ritual. Every three months on a Sunday, I volunteer at a program called “Church Under the Bridge.” This organization provides a hot meal, drinks and care packages for a portion of the homeless population in Austin. The meal is served after a worship service. Over the years I’ve evolved into the “coffee man.” Before the service starts, I help man the coffee table. The location for Church Under the Bridge is under IH-35 across from the Austin Police Department. From a sensory perspective, it’s not a pleasant experience. But the humanity found there is overwhelming. Despite their situation some are hopeful, other live in a state of resignation and many appear defeated. The common thread of this population is the uncertainty of living day to day.
As soon as we’re set up, a line forms. Soon I’m in the rhythm of handing out coffee, asking them “how’s it going?” and most of the time, saying “you’re welcome” when they express their gratitude. Occasionally there’s time for small talk.
One man caught my attention. As I handed him his cup of coffee, he said “Thank you.” But he didn’t verbalize his thanks, he told me “thank you” in sign language. He was a short slim man with an open face and a horribly mangled right hand. He always made several trips through the line. After every trip he signed “thank you.” I would ask him “How’s it going?” He would always smile and give me a “thumbs up.” Every time I went to Church Under the Bridge, I would look for this man. It was always good to see him. Given his situation, I was always amazed he could smile and give me a “thumbs up.” When we finished cleaning up and loading up all the equipment, I would look for this man. He was always gone on his merry way. I would get in my car, but I never started it up right away. I would have to sit and decompress. You see, after every Church Under the Bridge, I felt empty but grateful. I realized how fortunate I am. I have my wife, Susan, my family, my home and my health. It humbles me to think that if I had an emotional, physical or financial calamity; if I suffered from a chemical imbalance or if at birth my chromosomes hadn’t line up correctly, I could be on the other side of the coffee table.
I hope this Thanksgiving we will take time to consider all the blessings for which we are thankful. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday!
-- Joe Ray
