Hungry Hungry Hippo

CHALLENGE  ACCOMPLISHMENT # 6

THE RESOLUTION: Random Kindness

Sometimes random kindnesses require more action. It is more than just giving, it is involvement. Take today for example. April and I pulled into a plaza to buy, something. I don’t even recall what the item was, obviously it never ended getting purchased, but as April pulled her shiny Honda shadow off the main road I spotted a familiar sight: a filthy rag-tag green 65L backpack. Attached to it was a similarly unkempt and sad looking man. In his hands, a large cardboard sign reading “HUNGRY, HUNGRY, HIPPO”! 

I’m not sure I actually like the board game (yes, there is a game called ‘Hungry, hungry hippos’) but I sure have fond memories of the commercial. It is not usual for me to burst out with that line with the same over-acted joy the children in it had. I considered this a good omen and asked my fearless driver to pull a u-turn so we could invite this undoubtedly interesting man to join us for pizza. 

Justin was actually born right here in the Hammer (aka Hamilton, Ontario) but for the past 12 years he has been traveling all across  North America by any means. Hitchhiking is no stranger to me now so the exciting part for me was his stories about train hopping. There was a spark of life in his eyes, aged way beyond his 30 years, when he spoke about the excitement of eluding authorities across international boundaries. His experience revealed a similar culture to that of other travelers. Justin often joins other vagabonds for short term periods. They help and caution each other on specific routes - and most importantly, they all love to drink together. 

When J.R.R. Tolkien said, ‘Not all those who wander are lost’, he was NOT talking about this man. Justin is lost. He is a serious alcoholic, hardly able to control the shakes running through his entire body even while he pounds back his vodka mix drink. He admits it is a serious interference in his ability to hold down a job and has tried several times to stop drinking. His lifestyle has also taken a toll on his body and he admits he just can’t do it anymore. Not surprising considering his staggering $50 a day alcohol addiction. 

It is sometimes difficult to keep his attention while we chat over pepperoni pizza. Sometimes it seems he can barely hold on to his slice let alone stomach it. But he is open and honest as April and I  put forth some difficult questions. I don’t judge Justin nor how he chooses to live his life. It is clear he wants more. He wants better. I truly believe that just hearing yourself say that out loud can be a start - but you need someone to ask you first, someone that’s listening. 

Justin has now returned ‘home’ to try and settle down. The Canadian government has even provided him a home for now, but his income still comes from begging. I hope very much for him to find his way again, to make the choices to get back to a healthy life.

One woman. One year. 169 Resolutions.