Panhandling has been outlawed in my city recently. Apparently under the pretext that homeless people are nothing more than a distraction for those stopped at red lights in their cars. Of course cellphones, make-up, fast food, in-car DVD players, and just plain idiot drivers are not too much of a bother, but those homeless and their always wanting food money....well that's just too damn much. Some would respond that they'll just spend the money you give them on drugs and alchohol....my reply to that is "so?" I can't think of a person more deserving a good buzz than those who have no idea where next they'll make their bed. Anyway, the other day I was driving down the road with a friend of mine and we came across a lonely panhandler, braving a citation to humbly ask for spare change. My friend had cash, and for some reason was impressed to give to this man. I thought later that it is funny and sad how we give so much of our money for things we don't even need to live and then begrudge others the leftover change they need to eat or sleep someplace out of the rain. This man seemed to me the voice of a culture; he was small in stature with long, stringy, white hair and dirty clothes. His skin had the texture of a life-long smoker and his teeth the look of the same. But the smile on his face was contagious as he got down on his knees in the middle of the street to thank us with all the sincerity in his heart. Tears ran from his eyes as he told anyone that would listen of his new found $20 fortune. Would that I was so greatful the thousands of times I receive things worth far more than the currency he rejoiced over. His blessing made the intersection feel like hallowed ground and I cringed at the honking horns when the light turned green. I will never forget him as he danced and held my hand through the car window, saying in a clear voice, "Don't forget God, I'm Preston Cole on Preston Road, bless these young ones today".