This post has absolutely nothing to do with photography or my business. But I feel the need to share and reflect on my experience this evening in Philadelphia. This blog seems to be the best option.

As many of you are aware, I am in Philadelphia with my daughter, Julie and grandson, Jackson. We are waiting for the birth of Baby Boy Landis who will have special needs and requires the services of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). When we began Sam’s (not his real name) journey…and I use “we” loosely because as his Mimi, I am a fringe participant…my mother said that this journey would be faith-building. As usual…she hit the nail on the head. Even though Sam hasn’t arrived yet, he has taught or provided so many opportunities for life perspective and spiritual growth. Tonight was one of them.

Julie and I have had several meaningful conversations the past week and we had another one tonight on the public bus about perspective and how this journey continues to push us to be more open, sensitive/empathetic to those hurting, broken or experiencing loss. (In her experience and work as a LCSW, Julie is much more attuned to this than I am.) And then we met Amy.

Amy is homeless. Transparency here….I usually either ignore people who are obviously homeless or maybe give them a couple dollars and go on my way. I certainly never talk to them because I’m scared to, too busy or a myriad of other excuses. And I stereotype them…substance abusers, mentally ill, lazy, dirty, etc. But when I saw Amy from about a half block away..I was drawn to her.

Amy was sitting on the icy cold concrete sidewalk in front of the huge downtown Philadelphia Macy’s in a high end area with a sign that said “homeless…even a smile would help”. She was dressed in clean clothes, hair combed, good hygiene, etc. But also had a beaten down look as she stared at the pavement while the crowd of people passing by ignored her. So I approached her and put a couple dollars in her cup. She then thanked me for noticing her….not for the money…for just “SEEING” her. I was so shocked that I just had to ask her what her story was.

To summarize…Amy escaped from an abusive relationship only to be turned away from the shelter that had initially told her they would assist her. Her ex had followed her…hit her with a car and she had to be hospitalized for several months. This resulted in the loss of her job as a secretary for Aetna. She’s tried to get employment in multiple ways but without an address or phone…it’s difficult. She’s also sought out several different government agencies for help without any positive results. She is articulate and appeared to be fairly educated. She also shared about life on the street and where she is sleeping. But also how it feels to not be seen or noticed.

To be honest, I don’t know who ministered to who tonight. I am definitely not looking for any accolades or pats on the back. Although we assisted her in a couple different ways, Amy blessed me more than I blessed her. Yes..our situation with Sam is very difficult, painful, scary and has turned our world around (maybe in a good way). And we really don’t know what will happen in the future. The fear of the unknown is overwhelming at times. However, we have been humbled and blessed in so many ways through various kinds of support. We know that God has a plan for this little boy. We have people who “see” us all over the country and are praying for us. People we don’t know well, strangers or ones we haven’t had connection with for a long time. Church family and communities that stop us to get an update, give hugs and express support and encouragement. Texts, facebook messages and phone calls from family and friends. Ability to be near and obtain excellent specialized medical services. Comfortable, clean and warm housing away from home. Although it is easy to feel isolated, we aren’t alone as Amy appears to be and I have no reason to doubt her story.  I will never know what happens to Amy but I will be praying for her.

The blessing I experienced tonight has many layers but the one that stands out the most is the challenge to “SEE” and make time for people who are hurting, broken, experiencing loss or lonely. I am the first to admit that I don’t do this well at all. It’s way too easy to lose perspective and be caught up in only my situation and busy life. A text, a hug, a smile, a phone call, an email, saying hello…these mean so much. Julie is much more eloquent than I am and wrote about this and other thoughts in her latest post on her Caring Bridge site. She also continues to minister to me with her deep thinking, perspective and words. If you haven’t read it…take a look at https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/babylandis.

I have always LOVED Christmas. The lights, the movies, the music…just everything that makes it so special, shiny and joyful. I’ve been binge watching Hallmark and other Christmas movies for over a month. But my challenge is to SEE others this Christmas as well as reflect on how Joseph and Mary were not “seen” but had to experience giving birth to the Messiah in a dirty stable with only animals to support them. Bottom line is Christmas 2018 will be unforgettable in so many ways. Have a Merry Christmas celebrating our Lord and Savior. And I can’t thank you enough for “SEEING” us.

“For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ Matthew 25:35-40