Triple Threat
parenting triplets in the Capital District
Moved by Tikkun Olam Allowing yourself to really see someone in need is the first step in making it right
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He quietly shuffled to the counter and emptied a pocket onto the clean surface and started counting his coins and a few dollar bills. Rebecca, Olivia and I tried not to stare. Out of the corner of my eye, I could by tell the money wasn’t going to be enough to fill his belly tonight. He looked like a man who hadn’t had enough food for some time. There was no eye contact made with the cashier, who looked a little unsure about what to do. She listened carefully because he talked in a hushed voice. He ordered his supper. He kept
his head down and didn’t move from the spot. He made sure his bag wasn’t far from him and that he didn’t lose sight of his supper. The cashier had asked for a name to put on the order. His response still echoes in my thoughts: “Don’t got one. Doesn’t matter.” I don’t know what the cashier put down on his receipt, if anything.
Jennifer Steuer
In a few minutes, his tray was pushed toward him by a boy who barely looked 18. The boy and cashier locked eyes and silently wrinkled their noses. I was embarrassed because I wit-
nessed their reaction and knew I probably did the same thing when I worked in food service. My embarrassment was because I had noticed the odor as well. It was clear that he hadn’t showered for a while, and his clothes hadn’t seen the inside of a washer for some time. My girls kept telling stories about school friends and different videos they saw on YouTube or TikTok. I could see him leaning against the table that was bar height right next to the garbage. He was able to guard his supper and his bag. I could see other tables of people not looking, not reacting. He meant nothing to them. They
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efore he walked in, I knew. I watched him check the garbage pails outside before he pushed open the first glass door. He was carrying a clear plastic bag that was in rough shape. The bag was stretched in spots. You could see that his possessions were in this bag and he guarded the bag even as he pushed the second door open. He shuffled into the restaurant. I could see how guarded and wary he was when he pulled his jacket tighter around him. The restaurant was empty except for four tables. It was a quiet night. His clothes didn’t fit very well. His hair was long and matted. His face was weathered, his mouth set in a straight line.
6 Family Now — March 2021
