Would it be a gift or an insult?

[csberry]

There is a man I see probably, at least once, every day walking along Whitesburg Drive. I see him walking north and south at differing times from as far south as the post office and as far north as Airport Road. There aren't any obvious morn vs evening differences, but I see him often enough I probably could discern a pattern if I paid close enough attention. He looks to be in his forties and wears clothes 2-4 sizes too large. His daily uniform consists of white, baggy T-shirts and jeans that somehow cling tightly to the sides of his waist, but droop tremendously in front and back. It seems like he lost a hundred plus pounds and never bought new clothes.

Anyways, I see him walking the road every day. Occasionally he might have a single bag of groceries or something. Otherwise, his hands are in his pockets (holding up his pants?) as he strides along the road. Sunshine or rain, comfortable or 110 degrees; he's walking one way or another. He's never standing, instead always walking like he's got someplace to be. This guy has become such a presence in my life completely without his knowledge. I feel for the discomfort he must feel for all that walking in the various weather conditions. When I've seen him in the rain, he is without an umbrella. I admire whatever strength he has to do this everyday.

Here's where my question comes in...

I would really like to give him like a one-shoulder backpack and a collapsible umbrella. Just a little something that may make the walking a bit easier. I've been considering doing this all summer long, but I can't think of how I should go about approaching him with the gift. I can easily keep it in my car and pull over whenever it's convenient when I see him (which is quite often, as I've mentioned). But what do I say? How do I approach this absolute stranger and give him a backpack and umbrella? I'm not particularly concerned about what he'll think of me, I just don't want him to outright reject it or throw it away when I leave, for whatever reason.

Anyone have thoughts on an approach?

Comments

[singinbutterfly.livejournal.com]

I don't think it would be an insult to him. I'll bet he would be pleasantly surprised at your thoughtful gift. It sounds like you may have God (or the Universe, Divine, Spirit, whatever you call it) tugging at your heart to do this, so more than likely it will go over great! I would just pull over at a convenient place when you see him, and say "Excuse me, sir. I drive by you quite often and I wanted to give you a couple gifts that might make your walk easier." And then give him the backpack and umbrella. If he rejects them, try to insist at least once that he take the gift. Sometimes people will reject a gift at first just because they don't want to take advantage of someone. But more than likely if he needs it and you insist that you want him to have it, he will take it. :) Good luck! Tell us how it goes.

Nessa

[ex-allenb.livejournal.com]

I'd say do it. The worst that can happen is he can rebuff you, or tell you he doesn't want it. Altruism is it's own reward, and you will be a better person for the attempt.

Go for it. Bodes well for your character that you've even considered it.

Best of luck!

A

[annettefox.livejournal.com]

I think is would be ok, just be careful on what you say. I know that there is one guy I know that walks around town that I am not sure how it would take it. He is normally friendly but there are times when he is not. He is younger though and has long hair. I have have tried to buy someone food once and they would not take it. They took offense. Another time I had them thank me for it. Just do it in a kind manner and I think he probably would really appreciate it. Chris you are one really sweet guy. Much loves!!!

[csberry.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I've had gifts rejected before. I understand why they might have felt uncomfortable with it coming out of nowhere. Between bruised egos, a cynical society, and whatever personality quirks one might have...one could reasonably debate that it isn't worth the effort. I guess other than the guy physically attacking me, the worst case scenario is he refuses the gift and I give it to a charity.

I just wish I knew if there was something I could say to put the guy at ease right off the bat.