I just spent three days in Vancouver, BC.  I must admit, its a fantastic city.  I enjoyed successful business meetings, great dinners and terrific friends.  

The morning before my departure, I walked to a Starbucks and before I entered I was confronted by a homeless guy, maybe mid-thirties.  He started to explain his story and for some reason I couldn’t help but listen.  This guy drew a breath and went uninterrupted for 3-4 minutes.  As I listened, I found myself believing him.  He explained he had Tourettes, just got out of the hospital, had nothing and was simply shattered.  Visually you could tell he was in very tough shape.  Because it was so difficult for him to speak and he was giving it all he had just to get his story out to me, I had to give him the respect to at least get through his explanation for why he was going to ask me for money.  

I have been to a great number of cities all over America and have been asked by homeless people to give them money.  This guy out front of Starbucks in Vancouver was different.  He offered a very compelling explanation, he didn’t beg, he teared up and what struck me the most was after I said, let me go inside and get some change and I will see you on the way out, he stood away from the entrance, waited while I got my Latte, Scone, Paper and change, and didn’t ask another person for money.  When I returned outside, I gave him a $20 and wished him well.  He cried.  

I kept thinking to myself, that guy just simply needed some help.  From one human to another, I just wanted to help.