Year Three, Day 339: The Poodle and the Man in the Elevator

I saved a poodle today.

He followed me halfway down the block before I knew he was there. He was a friendly little fellow. But I was getting worried as I approached the busy street on my walk. 

So I turned to him and sternly said "Go home!"

He lowered his head and turned around, but then suddenly darted into the middle of the street causing, a car to slam on its brakes. 

I called him over, and reach down to look at his collar. He rolled over on his back, putting his little legs in the air. I read his tags, and noticed he was just down the block. That was when I noticed the elderly man walking up the street quite quickly. 

"Is this your dog?" I asked.

"It is indeed", he said. "We have guests. And someone left the gate open."

 He grabbed the little fellow give him a big kiss on the head and thanked me. I felt quite light-hearted as I walked the rest of the way to the bus stop. I was relieved that situation had a happy ending.

But yesterday, I encountered a situation that I'm not sure ended so well. It was 7:00 a.m. I was on my way to the max train. I decided to take the elevator up to the next level. I was exhausted. As the door slid slowly open, it revealed a young man curled up on the cold floor. It was very cold yesterday morning. I almost backed out and took the stairs, but I hesitated. I didn't know what I was dealing with. I stepoed inside the elevator and pressed the up button. The door closed slowly and I glanced at the man on the floor. He seem to be breathing. But was curled up in a fetal position. He was on the cold hard floor. His backpack was beside him. I thought about asking him if he was okay. But I didn't want to startle him. I didn't know how he would react. But I also was concerned. What if he needed help? What if he needed medical attention? I also felt inside my purse for my mace, in case I needed to defend myself.  Soon, the door opened and I stepped out of the elevator.

 There were many peoples coming off the Max train just then. I thought about leaving him a few bucks in case he was hungry, but then I thought maybe someone else might take the money. Then I started worrying that someone might hurt him in his vulnerable situation. I was getting on the Max train.  I noticed a security guard in the other train. 

They were many people on that train that looks to be homeless. He was escorting them off. I motioned to him and asked him if TriMet owned the elevator or if that was Mall property. He told me TriMet did.

I told him I was concerned because there was a young man sleeping in the elevator he told me he would take care of the situation.   I hope I did the right thing. Chances are, he was homeless, seeking shelter from the cold. I hope, if that was the case, that the security guard was not unkind.

This evening, while I was getting ready for choir practice, I got a call from my family member in crisis. He is due in court tomorrow. He asked me if I would come along with him for moral support. I told him I would. But unlike the poodle or even the man in the elevator, I'm not sure I will be able to.save him. 

I am worried. But I am going to go to bed now and leave it in God's hands. 

I will talk to you tomorrow. 

Love, 

Zita

PS here is today's hooping video. Day 291!