If there could be such a thing. I’ve gotten in the habit of calling to ask for a welfare check when I see somebody seemingly asleep or passed out on the side of the road, but I don’t think they typically come and they operator has started asking if I would be able to check to see their condition, so I’ve started to do that.
I hope the day never comes that I find someone who it’s too late for, but, perhaps someday it could save someone’s life. Although so far they typically just been asleep or, on the nod I guess you would call it.
3 weeks ago I saw a guy who had been panhandling near a freeway exit and it looks like he just fell asleep there. It was a pretty hot day so I wanted to make sure he was okay.
I took him a couple of glasses of water and some cold brew they let me have at the Panera bread. Someone else had called the police and when I got over to my saw they were checking in on him so I just gave him the water and coffee and left. So that was all fine.
But a couple of weeks ago down in Auburn I saw similar, a guy by the side of the freeway exit where someone would typically hang out asking for donations. Only this guy was just and laying there fully covered by what looked like a canvas painters tarp. Head and everything covered.
It was an equally hot day so I figured I better at least check on him. Expecting the typical rousing someone from their sleep enough to get verbal confirmation that they are all right, but as I approached, the guy energetically pulled the blanket off his head and cheerfully greeted me.
I asked him if he was okay and he said he was fine. I asked him if he needed some water or anything else, and he said in an upbeat tone, no, I’m good. What I could really use is some alcohol and a cigarette.
I chuckled and told him I couldn’t help him in that department and went on my way. I really was concerned on that one because he was completely under the tarp in motionless, but I guess dude’s doing okay.
Especially in this weather, let’s try to keep an eye out for anyone that might need some help.
submitted by /u/clce
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