I never wanted to write a diary. I had to write this diary.
Tonight I visited a local discount store and on exiting a young man asked me for spare change. I kept walking. When I got into my car I observed the young man walk away, he was with two girls and pushed a baby in stroller.
I am ashamed to admit it but I expected them to walk to the other side of the parking lot and hop in a luxury car. They didn’t. They walked about a mile, slowly and deliberately, to the area near the interstate. I followed them clandestinely in my car.
They finally stopped at Cracker Barrel and sat in the rockers to rest. I slowly pulled into the parking space closest to where they sat. I gathered my nerves and exited my car.
When I approached them, the young man seemed frightened; he told me his name was D (his first initial). I asked why they were out with the baby in the cool weather. D told me they were homeless and trying to get money to buy dinner; he said they lived in the Red Roof Inn.
I asked where their mother was. D said the family lost their place and his mother said it was best for the family to split-up. I had no words and felt tears well-up in my eyes. I felt confused and tongue-tied — speechless. I knew he was telling the truth.
I gave D $21 for food and my phone number. I sat in my car crying as I watched them walk next door to IHOP. I hoped they could get enough to eat with $21; it was all the cash I had. I hoped they would be safe.
D is 19; his sisters are 17 and 18. I never found out the baby’s age.
I am not sure I will sleep tonight. I feel helpless.