sending Earl home

I am so sorry, I forgot today was the Brenda Photo Challenge. The last two days have been really busy for me and it completely slipped my mind. Between getting Earl situated and helping another friend organize a memorial in the park for her boyfriend who passed away - I've been a little preoccupied. Homeless people can keep you very busy you know!

Last night went well. I found Earl under a tree and he was upset that someone had ripped him off (again). He had become quite an easy target I think. So we visited and I asked him how he'd like to go home TONIGHT. I could tell he was searching my eyes to discern if I was serious or not. When he realized I meant right now - his eyes filled up. So we left his blanket right there beneath the tree for someone else to find. I brought him home with me. My neighbors stared as we got out of the car and I wondered what they were thinking, but I really didn't care. I showed him around my home and let me tell you...if you ever want to regain appreciation for the things you take for granted, bring a homeless person into your life. I had fixed a dinner I thought he might like with roast, mashed potatoes, and corn, but he wasn't hungry and settled for sweet tea. After a while he took a shower and got all cleaned up and I washed what clothes he had in his backpack. He repacked everything and I made him a bunch of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to take with him. Without refrigeration his choices were minimal, but he was graciously appreciative. We arrived at Greyhound in time to wait for about an hour and finally the bus rolled in. Getting him all checked in with only a confirmation number and password was easy, but when I reminded the driver that he needed assistance with his transfers I was confronted with one of the rudest people I have ever met. The driver informed me he had too much to remember and if I wanted my passenger to be assisted I should be on the bus with him. We exchanged a few more "pleasantries" and then a young man who overheard my dilemma volunteered to help Earl out at his first transfer. Thank goodness. Now I only pray that he will have a little guardian angel all the way to his destination. I don't know if Greyhound has checkpoints where you can call to confirm transfer success, but tomorrow I will call and see if he made it to where he's suppose to be by then. Bless his heart, he's such a nice man and his family is so excited that he is coming home. I called his daughter when I returned home and she was waiting up for the call (3:30 a.m. her time). We talked for almost an hour - she had so many questions. So goes the Earl saga. His daughter promised to let me know if he showed up at her end. Last night was kind of bittersweet and yes, I did get a little tiny tiny tear in my eye, but the joy in my heart outweighed everything else. Oh, and Annette...he said to tell you bye - "my friend with the pierced nose" - Bon voyage Earl....we wish you a happy reunion, but maybe not so many adventures! Now....have I ever told you guys about Byron??? Ha, ha...just kidding. Maybe.