How One Woman's Decision To Stop And Listen Stopped This Homeless Man From Taking His Life

How This Woman's Simple Act Of Kindness Saved A Homeless Man's Life

"I wanted to kill myself today. Because of u, I now do not. Thank u, beautiful person."

Those were the words that a homeless man called Chris wrote on a tiny slip of paper, after one kindhearted woman bought him a coffee and a bagel, sat with him and just had a chat.

A photograph of the touching note was shared on the 'Love What Matters' Facebook page and has since garnered nearly 700,000 likes.

It has also inspired hundreds of people to open up about their experiences of kindness as well as how they've struggled on during particularly tough times.

"Today I went to Dunkin' Donuts and saw a clearly homeless guy sitting on the side of the road and picking up change....

Posted by Love What Matters on Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Casey Fischer was heading to Dunkin' Donuts when she spotted a homeless man sitting on the side of the road, picking up change.

"Eventually I saw him stroll into Dunkin, as he was counting his change to buy something, I began to get super annoying and talked to him over and over again even when he didn't really want to talk," she explained.

"Since he had maybe $1 in change I bought him a coffee and bagel and asked him to sit down with me."

At this point, the man opened up about his past and how people are often very mean towards him because he's homeless. But all he wanted to do was "be someone his mom would be proud of".

He also spoke about how drugs had turned him "into the person he hated", how he'd lost his mother to cancer and how he never knew his dad.

During their conversation, Casey discovered that the man's name was Chris.

"Chris was one of the most honest and sincere people I've ever met," she said.

After an hour of chatting, Casey realised that she needed to get back to class and said goodbye to Chris, who then asked her to wait so he could write something down.

"Handing me a crumpled up receipt, he apologised for having shaky hand writing, smiled, and left," she said.

After Chris had gone, Casey opened the note which said: "I wanted to kill myself today. Because of u, I now do not. Thank u, beautiful person."

The post was shared to the feel-good Facebook page 'Love What Matters' where people have shared their own stories of hardship.

Gary Edelmann Jr wrote: "I am homeless, have been since last year, I was staying under a 275 overpass for 2 weeks.

"I am now in a program at the salvation army I am doing better now, just got a job today and start tomorrow so my life is looking better each day, I am not proud of how I end up here but I am getting myself out of it by the grace of god.

"Just asking to pray for the homeless and be kind."

Jo Goldstein added: "I left a abusive situation and for almost 3 years I was homeless and with out my two kids, I got a job, my own place and got my kids back.

"I am now a single mom of 4 and I may be struggling but I am doing ok and I keep going forward."

Meanwhile Lauri Alexander had her own heartwarming story to share.

She wrote: "A few years ago, I was in line at our local post office and behind me in line was a (obviously homeless) man. He was dirty and obviously hadn't bathed, combed his hair, or changed clothes in who knows how long.

"The others in line stood back several feet from him and had a distinct look of disgust on their faces. I hadn't even noticed him until the woman behind the counter had looked up, saw him and her facial expression grew angry and she rolled her eyes. It was then that I had turned to see what or who had spoiled her day.

"My eyes caught the eyes of this man, and he immediately looked away. I knew he felt shame, or embarrassment. I smiled at him and said a soft "Hello" he glanced up at me, and noticed I was talking to him. And for a brief moment smiled, and again looked down.

She continued: "I asked him how he was doing today, and mentioned it was a beautiful day to be outside... He quietly responded with a 'yes maam', but did not engage any eye contact. By then the woman behind the counter called me and I went on to finish my tasks.

"When I turned to leave, I said to him 'have a nice day' and carried on my way. As I was getting in my car, this man approached me and asked if he could help... (I use a wheelchair so I was doing what I needed to do) I told him 'Thank you, but had it all under control'.

"I half expected he was going to panhandle me and I was wondering if I had any change with me, then he said this 'Maam, wanna say thank you for being so kind, ain't nobody talk to me so nice for a long time, you have a very nice day, and may God bless you'... Then he turned and walked away."

She concluded: "Common courtesy or kindness to our fellow man takes nothing from us, but to another it can make their day. I will never forget his eyes..."

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