One day I was walking into town on business when an old lady begging for alms caught my attention. She looked tired and worn out. It was cold outside, and the woman was clearly not dressed for the weather.
Her clothes were old and worn out. Her cloak attracted my special attention. It was an autumn cloak. Of course, in ten degrees below zero, this is not the best option. I’m not even talking about her old, worn-out shoes. She was shaking from the cold with her hand outstretched. Some people passed by, some gave her money or food.
I felt embarrassed, and at that moment I really wanted to help my grandmother with something. I didn’t have any cash with me, so I decided that when I got home, I would withdraw money from my card and give it to her. I really hoped to find her in the same place. I went to the supermarket and bought a basket of groceries for the old lady. I bought milk, cereals, tea, and cookies. I wanted to make her feel good. She was not living a good life there. I withdrew the money and went to where she was standing. But as soon as I got closer to her, I was struck by an interesting picture. A woman of about forty was standing next to the old lady. But the most interesting thing happened next… The old woman started to empty her pockets to give her earnings to the woman. And then she gave her the entire contents of the box where she had been collecting money. The first thing that came to my mind was that this woman was her boss.
It was like a story about beggars who work for someone and get paid for it. But then I convinced myself that her boss couldn’t look like that, she was poorly dressed.
And they usually take the money at the end of the day, and it was lunchtime.
I started walking very slowly to find out the truth. I heard the woman’s words and realized everything.
– ‘Mom, hurry up, I’m in a hurry.
After those words, I changed my mind about giving my grandmother money. Helping an old lady and sponsoring a healthy young woman are different things. I do not know the whole situation, but for some reason I am convinced that the woman does not take this money for food. Otherwise, she could find a job and help her mother. Doesn’t she feel sorry for the old man? Because then I don’t know what the reason is.
If I had come up a little earlier and thrown money, I’m sure I would have just sponsored this young freeloader.
Although it would have been much easier for me if I hadn’t seen that picture and just helped the old man. For the money I wanted to give to the old lady, I bought food and fed the street dogs. They definitely don’t have anything to hide. This incident convinced me that before helping someone, you need to make sure that it will be beneficial.
