A Chilly Winter Afternoon on the Subway

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On a chilly winter afternoon, I hopped on the F train with my son, Leo, and his close friend, Mia. Leo had just celebrated his 7th birthday, and I was treating them to a performance of Mary Poppins on Broadway. They were getting older—no more need to hold their hands or hover around them. They stood confidently, gripping the pole and gazing out like seasoned New Yorkers… until Mia absentmindedly kissed the pole. After snapping a quick photo to share with her parents about her latest adventure, I decided it was time for them to sit down.

They plopped into the molded plastic seats across from me, chatting about whatever 7-year-olds talk about these days (this was before the Rainbow Loom craze but after the Wow Wow Wubbzy phase). I was filled with pride watching them—so grown up, so self-assured and full of life, two wise kids navigating the big city.

The Unexpected Encounter

A few minutes into our ride, with still several stops to go, the door at the end of the car swung open with a bang. A man stepped in, scanning the rows before him. I took a mental note: camo attire, a cardboard sign around his neck, and a container in his hand. My guess? A homeless veteran.

As he approached, he began to share his story, weaving through the train car with the rhythm of the movement, mumbling as he went. The other passengers ignored him, as they usually do—after all, it takes something dramatic to get a subway rider’s attention.

But I was starting to feel anxious. How was I going to explain this to Leo and Mia? I had no idea what Mia’s parents had shared with her about homelessness or mental illness, or the struggles faced by veterans. What would the kids want to know? Would they feel sad? Would they want to help?

These were city kids who had seen their fair share of homeless individuals. Leo and I had discussed it a few times after passing someone on our corner. But this situation felt more personal, more immediate: the man had stopped right in front of the kids, perfectly positioned between them and me.

I held my breath, deciding to let the moment unfold. Up close, I could see he was in his fifties. His sign was filled with shaky letters and a couple of hand-drawn American flags, barely legible. His clothes looked clean but didn’t fit him well, and his eyes were empty, reflecting a sadness that was palpable. He began to speak again, repeating the words: “I am a homeless veteran. I served this country, and now I’ve been abandoned by the government. I’ve been left to fend for myself.”

I glanced back at Leo and Mia. They were mesmerized, their chatter silenced, mouths pressed tightly shut. Their eyes flitted between the sign and the man’s face, wearing the expression of children who sensed they were witnessing something profound and heart-wrenching. They were still, hands resting on their laps. My heart swelled at the sight of their empathy and compassion.

The man shook his container, and the sound of clinking coins echoed in the otherwise quiet car. I noticed it was a metal can designed to look like a giant roll of Lifesavers—the kind you’d get as a child during the holidays, colorful and filled with candy.

As he finished his speech, no one moved. The kids’ eyes were wide, reflecting a mix of curiosity and concern. It was clear they wanted to help him but felt powerless, just kids after all. I thought, at least this gives us a great starting point for a discussion.

I was so caught up in the moment that I completely forgot to give the man any money. Not a single other passenger offered anything either. The man glanced around, looking defeated, and then moved on down the aisle.

A Lesson in Empathy

As soon as he was a few steps away, Leo turned to Mia, his face lit up with emotion. I leaned in closer, eager to hear what he would say. This was real, raw, and part of the New York experience—seeing life up close.

“Hey, Mia!” Leo exclaimed, pointing in the man’s direction. “That guy’s so lucky—he has a whole thing of Lifesavers!”

With that, the train jolted to a stop. The doors opened, and the man stepped off, heading into the next car to start again.

This experience serves as a reminder of the importance of teaching our kids about empathy and compassion, especially in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming. For more insights on home insemination and parenting, check out this helpful resource about pregnancy, or find out more about essential kits for home insemination.

In summary, this encounter on the subway with Leo and Mia highlighted the innocence of childhood and how children perceive the world around them. It’s vital to create open conversations about tough subjects, helping them understand and cultivate empathy for others.