On a crisp winter afternoon, I found myself riding the Q train alongside my son, Lucas, and his close friend, Mia. Lucas had just celebrated his seventh birthday, and to mark the occasion, I was treating them to a performance of Mary Poppins on Broadway. They had grown so much; I no longer felt the need to hover protectively or hold their hands. Instead, they stood confidently, gripping the overhead pole, gazing into the distance like true New Yorkers—until Mia playfully pressed her lips against the pole. After snapping a quick photo to share with her parents for posterity, I asked them to take their seats.
Settling into the plastic seats across from me, they engaged in animated chatter about whatever captivated seven-year-olds that year (this was just before the era of Rainbow Looms but after the height of Wow Wow Wubbzy). I couldn’t help but feel proud as I watched their self-assuredness and maturity in the bustling city.
Just a few minutes later, with several stops still to go, the door at the opposite end of the car swung open with a loud clatter. A man stepped in, scanning the rows of seats. I quickly assessed him: dressed in camouflage from head to toe, a cardboard sign hanging around his neck, and a container in hand. I presumed he was a homeless veteran.
As he moved slowly through the aisle, dodging poles and commuters, he began to share his story, his words muffled but urgent. To my dismay, no one else in the car seemed to notice him; it took something truly shocking to draw the attention of seasoned subway riders. But I was gripped by panic. How was I going to explain this situation to the kids? I was unaware of what Mia’s parents had shared with her about the realities of homelessness, mental health, or the struggles veterans face. What questions might they have? Would they be upset? Would they want to help him?
These children were no strangers to the sight of homeless individuals—Lucas and I had discussed it before after we walked past the man who used to sleep on our corner. However, this moment felt different, more personal. The man had stopped directly in front of Lucas and Mia, positioned perfectly between them and me, making the encounter all the more immediate.
I chose to observe the unfolding scene. The man, likely in his fifties, bore a sign filled with shaky handwriting and hastily drawn American flags. His clothing was clean but ill-fitting, and his eyes carried a heavy sadness. He resumed his speech, expressing how he had served our country only to be abandoned by it.
Lucas and Mia were mesmerized, their chatter silenced. They focused intently on the man’s sign and face, displaying expressions of children who recognized they were witnessing something profound and inexplicable. Their hands rested on their laps, and I felt my heart swell with pride at their evident empathy.
The man shook his container, causing the loose change inside to jingle. I noticed it was a metal can designed to resemble an oversized roll of Lifesavers, the kind we used to get as children during the holidays. He completed his address, but no one moved. The children’s eyes widened, reflecting their desire to assist, yet feeling helpless in their youth. I thought about how this moment could lead to an important conversation.
In my distraction, I realized I had forgotten to give the man any money. Not a single person in the car had offered him a dime. He glanced around, confusion in his eyes, before shuffling toward the end of the car.
As the train pulled away, Lucas turned to Mia, his face animated. I leaned in closer, eager to hear his thoughts. This was a moment of raw reality, a beautiful lesson in empathy, and a reminder of why we love living in New York—where life unfolds in vivid detail.
“Look, Mia!” Lucas exclaimed, pointing toward the departing man. “That guy is so lucky—he has a whole thing of Lifesavers!”
With that, the train lurched to a stop, and the man exited, ready to begin his routine anew.
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Summary
In this poignant narrative, a mother navigates a moment on the subway that challenges her children’s understanding of homelessness and compassion. As they encounter a man claiming to be a homeless veteran, the children display empathy and curiosity, leading to a deeper reflection on social issues and the innocence of childhood. The experience serves as a powerful reminder of the lessons that urban life can offer, ultimately shaping the values of the next generation.