Real brothers

 I was out one evening doing a little outreach just checking in on some of my homeless family. There was one man named Steve that slept on a bench at the bus station. He had lost both of his legs to frostbite. I took extra Care of my good friend. 

 I'm visiting with Steve when another one of my homeless Brothers named Bud stopped by to say hello. Both of these gentlemen I really enjoyed being around them. Bud of course had his usual pint of vodka with him.

We were all three chatting with each other. There was something that was about to happen. And what did happen, I only witnessed an act of kindness that was both compassionate and unselfish. It was a Street outreach moment that I will never forget.

 Steve was laying down on his normal bench at the bus station. Out of nowhere with great frustration he Yelled out, “God damn it!”He let us know that he had lost control of his bowels and had an accident. I had an accident. I was not going to let my good friend Steve lay all my soiled feces.

 Before I had a chance to do anything it was Bud who jumped into action. As soon as he began the process of cleaning up Steve, he ran to the trash can and began to vomit. After he was through getting sick he went right back to what he was doing. He

 A few minutes later Bud was almost halfway through the process of cleaning up Steve. Bud ran to the trash can and got sick again. I'm sure that he lost whatever lunch or dinner he had that day. The next opportunity to eat would be noon the next day. L

 What Bud did next is what impressed me the most. I was witnessing one homeless individual care for another. Reached into his pocket and pulled out the pint of vodka that he had. Bud then used his vodka as a cleaning and disinfecting agent. He did not want Steve to get a rash. He used his entire pint of vodka on Steve.

 When Bud  was all finished and our friend Steve was clean and comfortable on the bench. I said with a sarcastic chuckle,  “Man, I can't believe you puked twice.” His response to my sarcastic statement is forever embedded in my memory.

 “I am only a human taking care of another human in need.” he responded.

 Bud felt as if though he was labeled by the community as a raging alcoholic. Really it was the stereotype and stigma that affected Bud. He was infected with the disease of alcoholism. His drinking led to other health issues. It is Bud that I am honored to have become friends with. I will never forget his actions on this night.

 It was not much longer after this encounter that I personally worked all day trying to get Steve off of the streets. With my knowledge of what agencies had to offer. I was soon pushing him in his wheelchair into his apartment. He was so grateful and happy. 

 Unfortunately my good friend Steve passed away in his apartment. He did not pass away in the streets. The death of his news was soon followed by another heartbreaking loss. Bud's body was found underneath the old police station tower.

 Rest in peace my brothers, we will see each other again.