Homeless Man Gives Lady A Crumpled Note, Its Message Left Her Speechless
By | July 21, 2022
Crumpled Paper
When a homeless man reaches out to you on the street, what will be your first instinct? Would you show compassion or turn away? And if you do show kindness, what would you do if he rejects your help and gives you an unexpected note instead?
This story is about Mary Aldrin as she receives a crumpled note from a homeless man in the middle of the street. She was so shocked by its content and the series of events that followed.
Who is Mary Aldrin?
Mary Aldrin was born and raised in New York. She has a different perspective of New York compared to many New Yorkers. She knew that many people see the city as dirty and dangerous with a growing poverty line.
Despite all the negative things people were saying about the city, Mary stayed positive and always tried her best to show kindness to people who were in need.
An Independent Woman
Mary knows the struggle of surviving life and has lived an independent life. She finished her education while paying for her school fees and has been working since she was young.
And she was sure that a relationship was not something that she was looking for until she met him. And her life changed when she did.
A Love Story
Love and Troubles
However, things were not easy for the newlyweds. Like other couples, they saw the sides of each other that they had not yet seen before. They have also faced money problems, and they often disagree, which turns into a fight. During the first few months of their marriage, they tried to talk things through. But soon, things became exhausting, and Mary knew they had to make a move to save their marriage.
Failed Love Story
Mary, being the hopeful person she is, tried her best to fix their marriage. However, her husband became cold. She doesn't know why but she did not dare confront her then-husband. She thought that if she did, he might get mad at her and leave her. What she did instead was double her efforts to save their relationship. She tried to become sweeter towards him. She did everything for him. She never imagined that things could still get worse even after everything she had done.
A Very Special Night
One day, Mary noticed that her husband was in a good mood. So she invited him on a movie and dinner date with her. He agreed, and they saw a movie that they both enjoyed. They went home and became intimate with one another. Little did they know that this night would change the course of their lives.
A Pleasant Surprise
A few weeks after the amazing night, Mary found out that she was pregnant. She had a pregnancy test and even went to the doctor to confirm. She then told her husband excitedly. But for some reason, he did not seem happy. He tried to fake a smile, but Mary could see it in his eyes that the news did not make him happy at all. She wondered why.
The Heartbreaking Truth
On a sunny day that should have been cheerful and happy, Mary's whole world shattered. She found out that her husband was having an affair. She confronted him, but he just said he was not happy with their marriage anymore, which is why he did what he did. And he wanted to break things off with her! While heartbroken, she did her best for her unborn child. Shortly after Dominique, her daughter, was born, Mary and her ex-husband divorced. Mary didn't know what to do next, but she needs to be strong.
Struggles and Hopes
Mary and her husband had divorced right after their daughter – Dominique was born. When her husband left, things got difficult. She received child support cheques from him but this is still inadequate for Dominique's education. Mary was heartbroken with what had happened. The love of her life left her and their daughter for another woman! Aside from that, she struggles with having to work and dealing with things at home alongside raising a daughter. But she did everything for the sake of her sweet daughter. She has long been hoping for a miracle. Never had she thought that she is about to encounter one.
Single Parent
Being a single parent, especially in New York is very challenging. Even though her ex-husband is sending child support, it's not enough as it doesn't include coverage for her child's education. Good thing that Mary has a degree in hospitality, and to make a living, she runs her own bakery, where she earns just enough for herself and Dominique. Even though things are hard, Mary remains hopeful and positive in life.
Moving On
Mary had no choice but to rely on herself to make a living. She was fortunate enough that her business is flourishing and has employees she can trust and love working with. Things seem to be getting easier for her and her daughter. Nevertheless, Mary was unaware that someone significant would come into her life.
Love for New York City
A lot of people dream of living in New York City. Just like any other place in the world, it has its own ugly sides. Nonetheless, Mary is an optimistic person who believes in people's goodness. Even though she experienced a lot of hardships in her life, she still believes in some goodness. Mary has a fair share of experience and wants to be like a good samaritan like the woman who helped her before. What really happened to her when she was young?
The Good Samaritan
When Mary was young, she had a happy family. They were financially stable. But her father lost his job and was scammed. Soon, they found themselves in financial peril. Mary was basically searching for scraps just to have something to eat. She was on the brink of giving up. But one day, a nice lady saw her on the street and gave her food to eat. That made her believe in the goodness of New Yorkers. After that, she worked harder in life, became a compassionate person, and started dreaming again. Little did she know that her good heart would also change her life.
Fueled with Compassion
Since then, Mary's always ready to help other people. She shared what she had with everyone and is exceptionally compassionate to the homeless because she knows these people feel the same hunger she felt before. Mary wanted to help them in what little way she can that they may at least have some hope back in their lives, like how the good lady gave her hope. She never thought she would have a different encounter with the next person she tried to help.
A Positive Viewpoint
Mary remained positive through it all. Even if she struggled, she knew that other people in New York had it worse. Recently, she noticed a man she passed by in the street staring at her. And this occurred every day. The man appeared to be homeless. But despite his situation, Mary would always see him smiling at her whenever they walked by each other. There was this familiar spark in his eyes to which he always appeared hopeful. How he was able to do that given his circumstances, Mary was unaware and curious about. But this made her feel that she could have a positive viewpoint if he could. However, she was unaware of who this many truly was.
Familiar Yet Silent
Mary decided to talk to the man whom she passes by every day. He was friendly but did not say much. But there was something about him that made him seem like she knows him. Mary thought it was his face that made him seem familiar. But she was wrong about this. Mary knows she should have trusted her instinct about where she had seen the man before.
Act of Compassion
Mary prepared lunch for her daughter and decided to pack an extra to give to the homeless man. The lunch wasn't anything special, but it had a healthy salad roll with a slice of cheese, and the thought of doing something nice made Mary happy. But when she came across the truth of who the man was, she wished that she did not offer him the lunch bag.
Excitement and Kindness
"Why did you prepare two lunches, Mom?" Mary's daughter asked her. "Oh, there is this homeless man that I always see on the street. I wanted to give him something to eat," she replied. "You are such a kind person, Mom! I hope I will grow up to be just like you!" Dominique replied. She even added, "For sure, the homeless man would be happy to receive the food you prepared for him." The mother and daughter both had smiles on their faces. But at that time, they never knew what was bound to happen.
Rejected Offer
Mary walked her usual path to work and again saw the man on the street. She offered him the packed lunch she had prepared, but he waved it away without saying anything. Mary wondered why he didn't accept her help. She felt rejected, but on top of that, she felt more confused. She tried not to think about it for the rest of the day. But the unusual interaction still bothered her. But if only she knew the truth behind why he rejected her gesture of kindness.
Troubled Eyes
One morning, Mary was rushing to work as she was running late. She got to the place where the homeless man usually stays, but this time something seemed off. She knows that there is something wrong but she just could not place it. She saw the homeless man, who seemed troubled and appeared to be on the verge of tears. Did something bad happen to him? Then she noticed that he was holding a scrap of paper. What was it?
Suspicious Paper
The homeless man seemed distracted and looked rapidly around as if conscious of something. Tons of questions doomed her.
Is he being watched? Why? If not, then what's wrong? What is really happening here? The man's expression left Mary more confused. She approached the man to ask him if he was okay, but he was unresponsive. Instead, he nodded and handed her a crumpled piece of paper. She knew that the answers to her questions would be there.
Anxious for an Answer
While Mary was at work, she avoided reading the note and placed it in her bag so that she would not reach for it. However, she found herself glancing at her bag, yearning to know what was written in it. Soon after, her employees noticed that she looked troubled. "Is there anything wrong?" one of them asked. Mary did not know what to do; she thought there might be a secret in the note, so she simply faked a smile and said she was fine. She could not wait to know what was written in the letter.
On the Way Home
Mary was curious and she wanted answers. She could not wait to get home. While she was at work, time seemed so slow. So after her time at work, she hurriedly went home. Once she got home, she pulled out the crumpled paper to read the note. She never knew that she would face a shocking revelation once she did.
The Message
Mary felt a mix of emotions that she felt herself tremble while looking at the piece of paper. What could have been the message in the crumpled paper that the homeless man had to write down? She thought she had been kind to the man and even offered him a meal. Was there something important that he had to hide and couldn't tell her out loud? Again, was there someone watching him?
Unveiled Secret
Mary was shaking so badly. When she read the letter, she felt different kinds of emotions—embarrassment, shock, but most of all, she felt relieved. Emotions rushed through her that she even felt herself tear up. Then she laughed and shook her head. She could not believe it!
The Real Identity
Mary found out the truth upon reading the note. The homeless was actually Richard Gere! He was filming a new movie and had to dress up as a homeless person for his role. She was entirely clueless that the sweet man she had been walking past every day on her way to work was this famous millionaire.
Time Out of Mind
Gere was filming an American Drama entitled Time Out of Mind. He was playing the role of a homeless man who is attempting to fix his relationship with his daughter. He was dressed in a costume so convincing that it fooled Mary into thinking he was an actual homeless person. Perhaps many other New Yorkers were tricked by his get up too, but that's not yet the most exciting part.
A Thankful Encounter
Upon knowing the truth about the homeless man's identity, Mary went back to his usual spot to visit him. She knew she could not just go up and talk to him while he was filming a movie. She now understood why she rejected her kind gesture. Of course, he does not want her food to be wasted on him as he has a great fortune. Once they locked eyes, Mary simply smiled at him. He then understood and gave her a wink back. His identity was to be kept a secret, but due to her kindness, he decided to let Mary in on it.
A Heartfelt Memory
Mary was touched by this experience. She knew it was not something that happened to everyone, having met such a famous actor. And on the set of his movie! Every day she walked her usual route to work and saw him until one day he was no longer there. Perhaps, they had already taken enough shots. Mary still thinks of this heartfelt memory every time she walks past his corner, which brings a smile to her face.
