Meet Dale

“I’m a writer too.”

I had genuine tears in my eyes as I walked back to my car after this recent Kindness Card experience. Not the shallow ones that evaporate before they have time to travel, but the pure, plump, clear tears that eventually break free and roll right down your cheeks.

I met Dale at a park on the day we flew home from our daughter's wedding. Dale was sitting in the shade, surrounded by everything he owned, and obviously deep in thought with his pen and paper.

So, obviously, I interrupted him.

We had the most dynamic discussion about his background, his journey in and out of shelters, and his ideas to tackle the roots of homelessness, at least in his hometown.

I explained the Kindness Card Movement and shared with him that I’ve also done some writing.

His eyes flashed wide and he smiled. “I’m a writer, too.”

Dale showed me his dictionary that he uses to make absolutely certain he’s found precisely the right word for the right spot.

Dale also shared some of his writings, including his ideas for streamlining the delivery of resources to those in need. He also has some terrific thoughts on how to make those who receive resources more accountable.

As we talked, countless men and women strolled by, having no idea this kind and talented man with so much to offer was sitting right there in the shade.

I wish you could’ve seen the look on his face when I told him that I had cards to his favorite spot – Burger King. In fact, I was so touched by his genuine joy that I gave him several more and I thought he might fall over in disbelief..

It was one of my longest ever discussions with a recipient, and yet somehow still it ended too soon.

But the best part of the story?

As I was saying goodbye and explaining that I needed to grab the gang and head to the airport, Dale said, “Wait, I’d like you to have something.”

Then he fished a few folded pages of his prized writings out of his bag and handed them to me.

“Oh no, I can’t. Thank you, but I just can’t.” 

“Sure you can,” he said. “I want you to have them. Plus these are just early drafts of some things I’ve been working on. I have polished versions.”

“Are you sure?” I pressed.

“I am,” he said. “They’re important to me, and you gave me something important to you. Please take them.”

So, I did, and he watched and smiled as I took this grateful photo.

I can’t recall receiving such a special, sweet gift. It felt almost sacred, and I assure you I’ll always cherish these pages.

As I walked back to my rental car, I considered how my new friend is so easily overlooked. 

Why would anyone pay attention to an older man sitting in a park with his head buried in a notebook and the dictionary?

I wanted to stop every single person I passed and ask, “Do you know how special that guy is? Do you know how lonely he is? Do you know how much he has to offer you and the world? Do you know how much he’d love for someone to just sit and talk to him for a few minutes?”

I thought about Dale all the way back to Virginia, and I sure hope I’ll see him again on a future visit.

If you want to become involved in the Kindness Card Movement but our Leadership Circle is out of reach for you, or if you don’t have any spare resources at all, I have an easy invitation.

Will you simply stop and greet the next person you see who reminds you of my friend Dale?

That’s how this movement grows!

Yes, financial contributions play a critical role, but by now we’re all aware that we’re trying to do a lot more than just feed people.

We’re trying to see the invisible. To love strangers. To give them the dignity they desperately desire.

Together we can remind them that they have a real role to play in the world.

And if you do strike up a conversation with someone like Dale, you just might go home with something you’ll treasure forever. 

And I don’t just mean a few pieces of paper.