Ramon is #20 of the 365 names I want to collect.
I collect my names through extra lunches, but it’s not about the lunches. It’s not even really about the names. It’s about the people.
My goal is to match 365 faces with a name. If I can get a story too, well that would be icing!
What I hope to do is to inspire others to show more compassion.
We are all called to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37). One way I do that is by searching for those who are hungry.
#20 Ramon @ a field on Grand Ave, north of Indian School, Phoenix.
Mr Ramon was sitting in the middle of an empty field surrounded by his treasures.
I hollered out a hello as I approached, just so I wouldn’t spook him.
He seemed to be intently working on something, but by scanning the ground around where he sat, I couldn’t figure out exactly what. His hands were wet, soapy even, I think.
I told him I had made an extra lunch today, and wondered if he was hungry.
He looked away from me.
I thought for a moment he was going to say no.
He gazed back.
“Well.” He paused, “I’m always hungry.”
His voice was soft. He sounded gentle. He spoke as if he was in no hurry, and pondered the words he wanted to speak. “Thank you.”
He reached out to grab my sack as I extended it to him.
“I hope you have a great day, Ramon.” I turn to leave when I heard him call out.
“Kim?” I turn to face him. “I think I’ve seen you before. You and your husband. You were walking.”
I assured him it wasn’t me. I was a little disappointed it wasn’t.
“Oh.” He started to sit back down.
“God bless,” I told him as I started heading back to my car again.
I had wished we weren’t standing alone in the middle of a field.
I wished I wasn’t a woman who had to be mindful of her safety.
He seemed lonely.
I hope his meal brought him comfort.
Growing Faith 