We traveled to San Francisco, California to spend our Holydays.

We had planned very detailed activities for this travel, but unusual rain during our first days kept us in the hotel. As we used to go always to the same hotel, we were comfortable, but wishing that sun and blue sky coming soon.

As we were very near to Union Square, the first sunny morning, after taking breakfast, we went outside and heard very good music coming from the Square.  There was a brilliant young people Chorus singing gospel at the bottom of a huge Christmas tree.

We enjoyed it! It was December 24th morning.  

The next morning I woke up and noticed that my husband was not at the room, neither having his breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant. Where was he? So I decided to look for him where I thought he could be a place he loved. He was where I supposed, at a Burger very near to the hotel. 

 But yeah! Something surprising was happening! Ted, my husband, was with Mike, a young homeless. They were having a big breakfast together and talking about their lives. It was really cold, still night, so they were having burgers and hot chocolate. I joined them and started listening to Mike and Ted.

Before this informal meeting finished, Ted told us to wait for him, left the Burger and crossed the street by the corner direct to the Market.  Suddenly, he came back bringing a new schedule and a lot of ball-pens for Mike. So, he suggested to him that these Christmas gifts we would love to be useful for helping his organization.  

When the meeting finished Ted and I went back to the hotel, and then Ted said to me: this is the first time that I had breakfast with unknown people, but I felt so plenty that I can say that I experienced, like never before, the deep meaning of Christmas.

But this story hasn't finished.

After Christmas, we left San Francisco and traveled to Sacramento as we had planned, where we enjoyed visiting Old Sacramento, Railway Museum and the Capitolio. Three days after, we came back to San Francisco.

On January 1st, after having breakfast we went for a ride. We wanted to go to the Embarcadero.  While walking through Market Street, we found Mike again who was wearing a Happy New Year hat. He recognized us and approached to greet, so we invited him to have a meal. During lunch, we interchanged some ideas about buying him a cellular phone. So Ted gave him the rest of the money he had in his wallet.

Mike was so thankful than he offered to work for Ted. Unfortunately, he didn't notice that we were tourists. So, he offered the only thing he had: the Happy New Year hat of which he was very proud. With a strange feeling, we didn't accept it.

Then we gave him a big hug, told about the places he can find us during those days and carried on walking towards the Embarcadero keeping Mike deep in our hearts.

After a couple of hours, we wanted to return to the hotel. At that moment we realized we had no money either for paying neither the bus ticket nor the BART one. So, with a strange but compassionate feeling, we went back walking. 

The holidays finished and we didn't find Mike anymore.

Fortunately, I had taken a wonderful photo of Mike and Ted together; I put it into a book and shut my luggage.

At San Francisco airport memories of the great holidays we spent came to me more and more.

After a long trip, we finally arrived home.

Back home, we frequently remember Mike and wonder whenever we could share with him another breakfast. His photo in our home makes him so present, but the experience shared with him even more.

We hope he is now planning to find a job, with his schedule and cellular phone.

We dream to have next holidays in San Francisco and find Mike living in one of the Californian shelters, not far away from where we found him, working and looking for a little house in the Bay Area. 

Then we will be happy to accept his Happy New Year hat.

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Note: This story described with details what happened during the last Holydays. Only the name of my husband was changed, but Mike's name is real.

PS: I wish a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year for all people like Mike all over the world.

Silvana Cecilia Fava

Key concepts:

Gratitude is one of the best attitudes humans can have, and a fountain of happiness.

Empathy is a great experience to see life from a new point of view.

Compassionate attitude is possible if empathy is first.

Philanthropic actions make possible a high level of wellness, called happiness.