Editor, The News:
I drive to McDonald’s at 5 a.m. almost every morning for coffee. On most mornings I will drive past street walkers out plying their trade with early morning commuters.
I also usually pass several homeless people as they scurry about looking for shelter from the harsh world they inhabit.
Normally the sight of these pitiable people doesn’t bother me too much. They have become a fact of life in downtown Maple Ridge. But somehow this morning was different.
A solitary street walker was out as usual because, despite the freezing rain and snow, she still had to ply her trade.
As I entered McDonald’s, a homeless soul sat to one side of the entrance. He was partially hidden in the patio area and was pulling extra clothing out of his backpack as he huddled in a vain attempt to protect himself from the violent winter weather.
I continued into McDonald’s, where I had a cup of hot coffee and enjoyed some friendly banter with my regular coffee buddies before departing for home.
The homeless fellow was still seated outside McDonald’s with no coffee or anything else to relieve the bitter cold.
And the same street walker was still shuffling along on 223rd Street trying to attract a customer.
I returned to our warm, safe apartment and now I sit here feeling guilty for not doing anything to alleviate the suffering of those unfortunate souls I observed only a few moments ago.
I have no idea or suggestions on how to assuage my guilt or how to lessen the suffering of these lost souls, but I feel compelled to do something.
There must be an answer. Too many lost souls wander our streets and red necks like myself remain indifferent to their plight.
Sandy Macdougall
Maple Ridge