A lesson from a homeless veteran.

As I got my coffee this morning I walked past a homeless veteran I often see standing at the intersection.

Just yesterday I learned he's a Flyers Hockey fan so naturally we're becoming buddies.

Today as I stopped to have a quick chat, he told me something that wrenched my heart.

A few days ago a car slowed down and the driver reached his hand out but it wasn't change he was offering.

My friend looked down to see what he had been given.

2 bullets.

"Just finish yourself." The driver said.

"It'll be better for all of us."

My friend threw the bullets back in the car as the driver pulled away.

What a cruel way to treat a complete stranger.

We chatted for a bit longer before I gave him a hug.

Just before I turned to walk away he announced "You see me."

I nodded.

As I crossed the street, this sentiment was ringing in my ears:

Every. Single. Human. Being. Has. Value.

This value exists independent of what we DO or HAVE.

It is built into our humanity and is irrevocable.

But when our own pain clouds our vision, this truth gets blurred and the value is made less apparent.

So it's not about demonizing the driver. It is about recognizing he is in immense pain.

He was more than likely having that conversation with himself.

This isn't to let him off the hook. His incompetence at managing his own pain has real impact.

And those in his life should not allow it without protest.

But we all must ask the question as we navigate a world with no shortage of pain...

What's the better medicine?

A bullet or a hug?