Today I took Erica to Lidl (supermarket) to get my groceries and sitting outside Lidl was a man begging for money. He don't look French to me, more like from middle-eastern country. He greeted me "Bonjour!" And asked me to give him a piece of coin.
Now, I am a very soft-hearted and you would say a generous person. If I can help and it is within my means, I will try my best to help that person. I am definitely not rich. If I only have $2, I give that poor soul $1.
I didn't give the beggar any money (I didn't have any money with me, except my debit card). I went into Lidl, bought 2 croissants and other groceries that I needed, went outside and gave him the croissants. I guess he didn't expect anyone to buy him food. Usually people will just gave him a coin.
My husband will always scold me for always giving things or donating money when we didn't even have enough. Well, that's me. Everyday, I count my blessings and thought about some people who are less fortunate than me. Anyway, my husband and my friends did remind me that these beggars do have help from the govt. e.g shelters, money and medical benefits. And that begging is an easy way to get money, instead of working. Personally, I think it may be a little difficult for some of them to get a job as some of them are migrants.
Beggars in France, I noticed, consist of the French people, the young people and the old people. They are everywhere. On the streets, outside supermarkets, traffic lights junctions, etc. Sometimes, I wonder why they beg when they are French, I mean, don't their government help them in some ways?I am very naive, right? These young beggars, they look fit and healthy to me. Why beg? Aren't they suppose to be in school? There was one time I saw an old women holding a sleeping child and begging on the street! I cannot bear to see this, especially when it involve children and this one was sleeping?! I had a feeling the child was drugged. Few days later, I went back to that street again as I couldn't rest my mind. The old woman with the sleeping child was gone. I went by a few times the next few weeks, still no sign. Phew.. I guess the authority must have intervened.
When I first came to France, I like to go by this small supermarket to get my grocery. Outside the supermarket, there was this man, I think he is French, who begged for money. He looked strong, tall and healthy to me, except for his long unkept hair. And whenever I walked past him, I will gave him some coins. One day, as usual, I walked past him and saw him talking to an old man. That old man look like he was counseling or advising him something. Few weeks later, I did not see the beggar again. Later on, I did see him again. He has cut his hair short and he seem to be walking somewhere. He was not begging anymore. Actually, I was kind of happy. Maybe he found a job or maybe he found hope. Maybe He found life again.
I look at Singapore, my home country, and we are truly fortunate and blessed.
