Hey guys. So I heard about Gesundheit! through David Quinn's book, Ishmael [1], and I pretty much fell in love with the idea. I checked out ways to help and started thinking of who needed my help, but didn't really do much until recently.

I had finished eating at a Mexican place where I eat religiously (every Monday without missing one in over a year, and then other days). Sitting in the car, the homeless person who lives behind the restaurant approached my car. I asked if I could help him and he explained that the restaurant had gotten robbed and was afraid I was trying something. After some explanations and apologies (no, I wasn't trying to rob the place), we began to talk. Having just eaten at the restaurant, I remembered my frequent customer card. Earlier that day I had finally, after so much time, earned my free lunch. As my new friend walked away from the car, I decided that he needed a break, because he didn't catch enough of them. I had him promise me he'd use my card and get himself a free meal, and in return, I'd keep tallying my meals for him. He agreed. Now this Monday I went back to his home (the restaurant) and couldn't leave without saying, "Hi." So I went back there and we had another great talk. I've never seen a homeless person smile. I'll never be the same again. My house call had fallen into my lap. I now meet with my friend regularly. He has someone to talk to, and it makes me proud to be the one he talks to. I really just wanted to share this story. Hopefully it'll help some people out somehow. Thanks to the Institute for the amazing work they do.

August 2004