Dear Sir,

I grew up at Bathurst and Steeles. I drive south on Bathurst every day for work and every night when I come home. I am up and down and at that corner every single day. I don’t know how long you have been there, at the corner of Toronto and the city above Toronto (Vaughan).

I see you there, walking in between the cars. When it is cold or hot. Winter, spring, summer or fall must take on a different meaning for you.

When it is cold, we don’t open our windows. I would watch others, as some would on occasion roll down the window and give you something. There were times, I will admit, that I would put my head down and turn the radio station or pretend to. Why did I do that? I don’t know.

I attended a class and we discussed that there are times when we find it hard to trust people that may be in a similar situation to you. The person leading the class said to us that she always has snacks in her car. If you are approached and asked to give something, offer some food. If they are really in need they will take whatever you give, not just a monetary hand out. I have never forgotten that and you were the benefit of this.

You may not know about the Jewish holiday of Passover but for 8 days we omit many things out of daily diet to observe this holiday. I was driving to work during this holiday and there you were, walking in your same area at the intersection. I remember I had put a granola bar in my glove compartment. I realized I wouldn’t be eating that week so when you came by my car, I rolled down the window and asked if you wanted a granola bar. Your face brightened up and you said G-D bless you, of course I would love a granola bar. I wished you a great day and you said that I had already made your day.

On Friday I took a bottle of water out of my fridge to take on the road while I was running errands on my day off. By the time I was going to open it, it was warm. I thought to myself how much I dislike warm water, and then I saw you. I waved you over to my car and gave you the bottle of water. Once again you thanked me and said G-D Bless you.

I was with my friend in her car in the same spot about a week ago and I was telling her about my granola bar story and she told me that she has given you fruit as well.

I don’t know what happened in your life to bring you to the corner of Bathurst and Steeles but I hope that our community and intersection gives you what you need to help you out in a small way in your life.

I hope that some other people I know that drive by your intersection have helped you out as well. If they haven’t, maybe they will not put their head down in the future, but perhaps put their hand in their lunch bag and give you snack.

Until I see you again,

The lady in the blue car