Meet, Abraham

Along the busy street of Hawthorne, on the East-side of Portland, Oregon…. chances are good that you, yourself, will catch a glimpse of, Abraham. This man, filled with constant smiles, humbly stands on the sidewalks offering to all that pass by, a single paper of… hope. I saw, The Forgotten Sole, from the corner of my eye not too long ago, as I made way up and down the street seeking the sole of the forgotten… and there he stood. Shiny black shoes, with his barley worn-out pants, that slowly follow his steps, everywhere he travels. His clean plaid filled shirt that buttons close to his collar and the perfectly fitted coat that encompasses the blood of… warmth. As I anxiously approached, I could see that his short dark hair was combed back… almost in perfect form… his whiskers upon his skin were left unattended and yet, groomed with poetry. The closer I got to this man… the brighter his smile grew… and the effortless journey of sales, I hear “Care to buy a paper for the homeless?” His name tag pinned in just the right spot so he’s finally able to be… known. The feeling I was now experiencing was grand as the words made exit of my mouth “Of course I do” and our friendship began. He quickly handed me a paper and said “Thanks, I’m Abraham” the smile never left his face.
As I opened the pages filled with the local news of the homeless, I introduced myself and shared with him what I was doing and why wanted to meet him… “I’m honored” he said as he proudly pointed to the inside of page 6… “That’s me. I made the news twice in a row for the best sales and service for the paper” He went on to say “It’s hard to do when people walk by in judgement. I just keep smiling. People like smiling faces I think.” His body shifted from right to left, his feet slowly lifting up with every movement. Holding in his left hand the paper that he happily offers for the small price of $1.00 but will humbly except more. His black duffel-bag lays along his side holding his belongings and acting as a display table for his life-sustaining merchandise… covered and protected from the elements that seek to destroy him. I fold the paper up and place it underneath my left arm and ask him the question of wonder “What’s your story, Abraham?” He begins to tell me that a bout 6-7 months ago he volunteered to be homeless. He moved out and away from his family so they could keep their housing. He said that his family is everything too him and said “A man is nothing if he can’t take care of his family” I felt the passion surround me as those words left his lips. I asked him how it felt to be out-here on the streets selling papers for a living and he gave me a small giggle saying “Standing on the corner with a sign would be giving up. I’m a working man. I work for my family to live.” He lives in the back of his truck at an undisclosed location that is safe for him in exchange for his excellent contractor skills. Abraham, also works another job, but is required to sign a “non-compete agreement” in order to get the work. I watched him work his magical sales efforts to the people passing by, a few bought a paper and a few did not… Abraham always showed respect and replied with a smile and a thank you. I couldn’t help be filled with my own gratitude as I was in the company of such a good man. He did his job with pride. His optimism was pure and contagious. I let him know that he mattered, his efforts of his integrity and character were being noticed… his emotions changed and his eyes filled with tears… as one quietly fell towards the ground. I offered this sole a hug and he gladly reached his arms. In exchange for my own copy of the paper for the homeless I donated $2.00 and a copy of my book, The Forgotten Sole. “No one ever gives me a gift” he said “It’s filled with stories of you, it’s your book” I replied.

The time I shared with Abraham, will never leave me. He is but another teacher and this day, I was his student.

Well done my friend… well done…

~Stephanie Rawle (Sole Writer)

www.theforgottensole.com
www.facebook.com/theforgottensole