Spring Hearts In The Tenderloin

My first step out of the MUNI station this morning I was greeted with warm sunlight and clear blue skies. I couldn’t help but mouth “thank you”- spring is here and I am so happy. As I made my way through the TL, I passed a gentleman sitting on the curb. “Good morning” he greeted me; I smiled and returned the greeting.

As I approache St. Anthony’s, the line for senior and family meals had already started. Still with spring in my step, I smiled my good mornings to folks. But a small sadness began to creep into my spring heart – I saw the faces ravaged by hard times and resource shortages, elderly folks clutching their plastic bags of personal treasures, children curling into the arms of their caretakers. I thought about my grandparents, dust bowl expatriates who like many made it through the depression by scraping together food, love, work, and community a day at a time. I have a hard time seeing folks like my grandparents waiting in line for a hot meal, even though I know it’s a good meal at St. Anthony’s.