Triple Threat

from Capital District Family Now - March 2021

She’s a dog’s best friend

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

Before 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.

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 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.

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 witnessed 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 Continued on Page 7

by Jennifer Steuer

113645_4

n Triple Threat

continued from Page 6

just looked through him.

Olivia and Rebecca watched me and how I was reacting to the situation. The chance to teach them was right there. I had to do something because he deserved to be seen. The choice between doing nothing and being true to myself was in front of me. In my bag were two sets of hand warmers and a few dollars. The evening was cold. Food costs money. There was no way to fix society tonight, but I could help him.

As the other tables emptied and people tossed their wrappers and some food leftovers, I watched as he looked at the bin each time. He guarded his bag. He guarded his supper. As people walked by, the only acknowledgement to his existence were a few unkind remarks and silent judgement. He stood absolutely still. I didn’t know his story or what brought him to this point in his life. I did know what brought me to this point in my life. I stood up and began to walk to him. His back was to me as he guarded himself. He saw my reflection in the window as I touched his hand and gave him the warmers and the few dollars that I had.

There are points in my life that could have pushed me down this path. Being homeless, with all my belongings in a garbage bag, is not unimaginable. The beginning of the slide down could be slicked up by drugs, alcohol, mental illness, bad circumstances or job loss. Life is hard, and no one knows what the future holds.

This man probably needs more than the few dollars and hand warmers. I had to do what I could. Hopefully, he will find a warm place to sleep and another hot meal. He is a human being. Homelessness is a pervasive problem. Until our society sees that each person has value and each person needs a place to live and safety, homelessness will continue.

Homelessness is a pervasive problem. Until our society sees that each person has value and each person needs a place to live and safety, homelessness will continue.

I had to do something because he deserved to be seen. Watching the world tumble out of control every single day is making me dizzy. Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, is a belief of Judaism that means so much to me. This repairing is not just about picking up litter off the shoulder of the highway. Repairing the world also includes helping make society a better place. Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca have seen simple acts can help. My children will make the world a better place, and that makes me so proud.

Jennifer Steuer is an Albany mom whose busy household includes her husband, Harlan, and 13-year-old triplets Olivia, Benjamin and Rebecca. Follow her on Instagram: jennifersteuer.