Community Update

I'm feeling very sad today...

I saw something as I was driving by Barrington park yesterday. There was a police car and a sheet on the ground. Yet, people were still playing tennis. People were walking their dogs.

I knew what it was. It couldn't be anything else... One of the homeless people in my neighborhood. We had three.

I didn't want to think about it, but I couldn't help it. Who was it? Did I really see that? 

I walked the dogs in the park today, as I do every day. I looked down and noticed someone had left a tiny little vase with a little white flower. There was a tiny card. that read "Rest in Peace, Mike".

It was Mike. I'd hoped it wasn't him. He was young. He liked my dogs. He had a peaceful presence, in spite of his condition. He was a neighbor, though I never really spoke to him except to nod and sort of half-smile. In 3 years that I walked by him every single day, I never stopped. 

And just like that.... One tiny little flower is the only sign he was ever here. Goodbye, Mike. I wish I'd known more about you. I'm sorry that I never stopped.