Changes

There have been a lot of changes in the U.S during my lifetime. However, all these changes are in the form of an image in my head. I have a picture of the twin towers going down in flames, of my parents watching the news as the war was announced, of Barack Obama winning the presidential election…

But I didn’t actually notice a change in the nation, in my every day life. I’m well aware that there was, but at the time I just wasn’t as interested in the current events, and was instead much more concerned with my personal life.

But now that I’m a college student, handling my own affairs, and taking the time to look around me I realize the immense impact the economy has had on everyone. Since I was in elementary school I’ve seen kids break dancing on the train for money, homeless people walking down the street with shopping carts full of belongings, or people collecting empty bottles from trash cans to exchange for money. But all those things seemed somewhat rare, and they definitely weren’t expected.

Now I can’t get on the train without seeing kids break dancing/selling candy, men playing drums, poets/musicians performing, or people of all ages and sizes asking for money. I’ve even seen a family, a mother with at least 4 children ranging from 2 yrs to 12, asking for money. I see this woman once a week with one or two of her children sitting on the platform with a cardboard in hand asking for help.

How crazy is that?? Not too long ago I saw an old lady who had to be about 60 with what seemed like ALL her belongings. I’m talking about at least 15 bags surrounding her. My only thought was where is her family? Does this lady really not have anyone in her life that could take her in? It’s one thing to see a 20 something without a home. They are young enough (although deprived of nutrients etc.) to hustle and get by, but this woman…to be homeless AND have to deal with the ailments of old age…that’s a lot to even take in.

And on top of that people are killing their families and committing suicide because of debt, and children are committing suicide because of bullies…

It’s like SHIT! My country needs help!

Obviously I knew this before but it finally caught up to me. Seeing all the need on a daily basis, and listening/watching OWS roam the streets of my campus asking for change it realllly hits home.

I think this is the first time that I’ve realized that although we’re better off than many other countries, our streets aren’t paved with Gold, and I’m INCREDIBLY blessed and fortunate to have food everyday, and a place to sleep.

*Just something I’ve been thinking about.