A Home on the Street

Suzie strolled down the checkered streets, but she felt something was off. Was it the barren trees? No. Was it the crisp snow? No. It was a man in a dumpster. Suzie was very perplexed. Why was this man not wearing a coat on this bitter winter’s day? Why was he not in his house drinking hot cocoa with his friends? “Mommy, why is that man not wearing a jacket?” Suzie asked, rather curiously. Her mother thought of how to word it then whispered, “Well, that man does not have a home. He is what we call homeless. He has no food, water or shelter. He has no money to afford a house or a jacket.” The expression on mommy’s face had changed. While Suzie laid in her bed, she pondered about how that man was feeling, looking at the same stars as her but just shuddering. The next day, she walked down the checkered streets yet again and, looked for the man. Ahh! There he was! She strolled up to him with a big smile, like the sun. “Hello, do you want my extra jacket?” Suzie asked sweetly. “This is wonderful! Why are you talking to me little girl? No one ever does,” he answered reluctantly. “Well, my mommy said you had no house, jacket, or food. I am inviting you to our house for dinner and a place to rest,” she replied staring into his big, desolated eyes. “I will come. You must learn though that a house is not what you need. It’s a home you need. I have a home right here with my other friends where we love and laugh with each other!” he said heartfully. The next day as promised, he showed up and Suzie realized that a house is not a home.