As I’m getting ready to leave Salt Lake City I thought I’d give a little update on Brittany.

I never saw her again after that first meeting. I looked for her every day, but didn’t catch a glimpse. I know her situation can’t change overnight and might never change at all. I just hope that the kids are safe. I worry that I haven’t seen them, but I don’t know what I could have done to help them if I did. I do the best I can by praying for her and her children every day. That is the best thing I have to give to her now.

In the shuttle car today, I was chatting with other travelers about the city and the situation with the homeless came up. The driver knew Brittany! He described her to a T and even told me exactly where I’d met her before I could say anything. According to Kent, the driver, she’s been panhandling on that corner for about six months. He was not sympathetic, saying that there are resources and help for the homeless, for all of the homeless. “Don’t give them money!” he insisted. He went on to say that he felt so strongly against giving money to the homeless because he couldn’t imagine himself doing what they are doing. “I’d just go flip burgers,” he said. I can appreciate his perspective, I really can. I also think that it isn’t that simple.

I don’t judge Brittany, as I’ve said before. I wish we could look past our preconceived notions about others and just love them. Just try to take care of others as best we can, especially those who, for whatever reason, cannot take care of themselves.

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