I can be as untrusting as the next guy. Sometimes this comes back to bite me in the end. I will give you a perfect example.
Several weeks ago, I was at work and I noticed this strange looking man sitting in the lobby. He had a pair of skates and a backpack, nothing more. For all practical purposes, he appeared to be homeless. Needless to say I was wary of this man.
As the day progressed, he continued to sit there and I continued to watch. Some of my employees began striking up conversations with him. This alarmed me greatly. One employee in particular, a young woman whom is well known for her kindness as well as her naivety, seemed enamored by this man and the stories he told her.
I warned her, this man may take advantage of you. Please be careful, and give him nothing. Yet still, she was adamant that he was the real deal. She bought him not one, but two meals in the several hours he spent in our store. I was floored and appalled.
Eventually this man left. I had not thought about him until a week ago.
This young woman came to me and told me this man's story. She then gave me a website address, telling me he had mentioned me in his online journal. Since when do homeless people have online journals? I was curious to say the least.
So I went home and pulled up the site. I was floored once more.
This man's name is Brian Patrick. He and his son, Riley, both have a form of autism known as Asperger's. Brian began his journey in Montauk Point, New York and is on his way to Laguna Beach, California…on roller skates! He is doing this to raise awareness for an autism organization known as “Autism Speaks.”  He stops along the way, at the homes of families who also have an autistic family member. He records their stories and moves on. 
I was speechless when I read his story. I felt petty for having been so untrusting. How could I have known he was aspiring to such a wonderful cause? How could I make up for this error of judgment? The only way I know how…by retelling his story.
When Brian left our store, he went to the police station and spoke to an officer. This kind officer directed him to the post office, where Brian was able to sleep for a few hours before continuing on his journey. If this officer has not seen the website, Brian tells this part of his story and wanted to make sure this officer got a big thank you. So officer “whoever you are,” the website is www.li2lb.com .
Kindness is an attribute that is uncommon these days. Marissa knew this and fed a man who was simply trying to deliver a kindness of his own. Our unknown officer knew this, and found a way to offer warmth to a man who simply needed a warm rest. I dropped the ball and missed an opportunity to be kind to a stranger who was in need of it at the time. So I ask you, what have you done to show kindness to your fellow man lately?
Please visit the “Autism Speaks” Website and support a wonderful cause and a man whom I feel deserves a medal for his efforts.