It was Thanksgiving morning, and a man asked his wife what she thought about helping a homeless person he saw nearly every day at work.

The wife was extremely busy with the million tasks associated in preparation but asked what he needed her to do.

A few sandwiches, some small change and a blanket – would be sufficient.

On the drive to the city the man related to his two children that there was a homeless woman he saw everyday who needed help and that’s what they were going to do.

Questions flew – what’s her name?; why is she homeless?; how old is she?; where does she sleep? the man’s answer to each question was -  I don’t know.

The older child asked the obvious question: If you don’t know her – she could be dangerous, sick or crazy. Couldn’t she?

The man answered ... Yeah, she could be. Then why are we doing this? Was the follow up.

The car was quiet for the rest of the drive. Before he knew it, they were at the park.

The man said ... We’re here ... who wants to go with me to meet this person?

Silence.

After a few minutes of considering his options - he grabbed the bag of sandwiches, couple of dollars of change, the blanket and stepped out of the car.

The walk from the car to the bench was an eternity that covered 80 feet ... the time filled with a thousand thoughts. 

At the bench – he looked at the woman – he said, I pass this way every day.

She said nothing.

He asked ... Mind if I sit down? ... She said nothing.

He said ... It’s Thanksgiving and my family wanted you to have something to eat,  this blanket, and some small change for you to use ... she turned slightly and looked in the direction of the car.

Turning back, she looked at the man....She said nothing.

Well, I hope you can use this stuff, he said. He placed the bag and blanket in the middle of the bench.

He stood up and said the dumbest words ever spoken ... “Happy Thanksgiving.”

The drive home was very quiet.

The only question asked ... What did she say?

The answer ... She said nothing.

When they got home – the chatter started ... it was Thanksgiving. All were hungry.

Things were back to normal.

When the man finished the Thanksgiving prayer ... his daughter added ...

Let’s all pray for the woman on the bench.

The man bent his head slightly forward, tears welled in his eyes ...

He thought for a minute about replying, but He said nothing