It's time to bring Marta Moments back. They've been accumulating and I haven't taken the time to write them out to this blog.
I'll start with one that I was originally not going to share but because I've already vocally shared it with others, I've waived the possibility of receiving blessings. So, here goes.
One of my homeless "buddies" was chatting it up with me on the way to work and when it was about time for me to say my "see you laters" he finally got around to asking me if I could give him some food. (He knows I don't usually give money out on the street by this point, as established over multiple conversations...)
Since this was before work, I had my full lunch and decided that I would give it to him this time. It was in a Tupperware container and as I handed it over I said that I'd like the Tupperware container back and that the next time I see him I'll try to pick it up. He promised he'd bring it back with some vocal "Thank You"s and "God Bless"s...
A few weeks later, the same situation occurs but, of course, before I give him my lunch (again in a Tupperware container) I ask him where my other Tupperware container is.
He replies: "Oh yeah... I have it. I just haven't seen you in a while and so it's not with me."
Me: "Okay. Well, then tomorrow, bring that Tupperware and this Tupperware back. You told me man....Here you go. I'll be looking for you. It's my wife's good Tupperware...Here. Take it. See you tomorrow!"
Him: "Okay. I'll bring it!"
(I doubt it.)
Tomorrow comes. He's not there.
A few more weeks pass and I see him.
Me (somewhat yelling): "Hey! Where's my Tupperware!?"
Him: "Ohhh... It's.... ahhh...at the shelter. It's at the shelter. It's there. It's there!"
Me. "Dude. No more food for you until you bring it back! Later..."
Now, when I'm leaving or approaching the Marta station and we see each other, he tends to divert his eyes away and pretend he didn't see me.
He hasn't asked for food since.
