Who is this man??

    I have to bring the boy to Sunshine's Daycare before 11:30. It is 11:15 now and the daycare is roughly 15 minutes away. I should be able to get him there before my meeting at 11:45. Let's just hope Alex and I don't get stopped along the way. Then I should be able to pick my baby back up around 5:30, then we can get back home by 6, and I can make it home in time to feed Alex, give him a bath, and then put him down to rest for the night. Finally, I can have some alone time with my husband, Sam, for once. Having a baby takes up a lot more time then Sam and I first thought. Don't get me wrong I love Alex, I am just swamped and it feels like I never get a break. WAHHH!! The sound of Alex wailing brings me back to reality.
   The sounds of the New York streets are pounding my head. There are cars buzzing all around us like Santa's workshop during holiday season. "It's ok baby we are almost there" my soothing voice hits the frigid February air with a bang. He responds with "mama" and I keep pushing him along until we reach the corner of 25th Ave N. and 34th Street. As we wait for the cross walk sign to flash to the white person, my gaze wanders to the thousands of different people around us. One man in particular catches my gaze, he is a lanky man, who looks as if he has seen better days. His dread locks are tied back into a messy pony tail at the base of his neck, as if he wants to forget about it altogether. The man's pants are too baggy to fit him correctly, and the stains present throughout the legs indicate that they have not been washed correctly. The man's beard is graying, maybe not because of old age, but from sheer abandonment and lack of nutrition. His entire demeanor seeks help. Who is this man? I may not know him, but by the way he walks with a limp, as if it pains him to take another step, and his appearance, I can already make an entire story in my mind. Don't call me judgemental, because I am not. Who am I to say if this man is good or not? I am sure he is incredble in his own way. I am simply mustering up a story that could fit his life.
   The interesting man walks toward my son with pure curiousity. He stares intently at my son, not in a creepy way, but as if he is interested in my son's story as well. I won't lie, the man is intimidating, but I feel as if he couldn't hurt a fly, let alone my dearest son. As time ticks by, the cross walk sign flashes the man walking, and the tons of people around me start to move. Yet, the man staring at my son has not moved an inch. I am short on time, but I do not think I am afraid. Yes, I would not leave my son alone with this man, and I wouldn't invite him for a cup of tea, but he seems innocent enough to let him look at my son. I rummage through my purse and find what I am looking for a crisp, clean twenty dollar bill. I place it defiantly in front of the man's face. He looks at it curiously for a second or two, then snatches it from my hand. The man darts off without a look bad. Was he thankful? Possibly, but who is to say for sure. I mean, who wouldn't be thankful for extra cash, even if it isn't very much. At least it is something.
    I'd like to think I was put in that position for a reason. Many others would have just chued the man off without another thought, but I didn't. I have no idea why not because, I didn't feel any special connection to the man. I can't even be sure that he is going to use my money for good. But one thing I am absolutely positive of is that everyone needs a second chance, including him. Maybe that money will be wasted, or maybe it was the push he needed to turn his life around. I have no idea of knowing, but somethings are better left to dream about. This is one of them. Hopefully this story has a happy ending like I dreamed it to be.