Summer aside, the weather in Las Vegas caters to something that I like to refer to as the 'new norm'..Panhandling..It doesn't matter what part of Las Vegas you live in! There is a professional panhandler standing on a corner waiting to take a hand out. Now I realize that statement sounds strange to a number of people, but if you lived in Las Vegas? You would understand what I'm talking about.
The other day I was stopped at the intersection of Fort Apache & Tropicana. It's a very busy intersection, and when the light turns red? Not uncommon to be stuck for a few minutes..Anyways, I looked down at my radio to adjust the dial and when I looked up? I saw my favorite bum in Las Vegas walking down the aisle of cars holding a sign that said.."I'm not going to lie, I need a beer"...The thing I like most about this guy? That's easy! It's his blatant honesty! A few months ago, I saw him at another intersection in town, he was holding the exact same sign. This may sound like enabling, but I pulled over and bought him a beer. Maybe it's because I feel a kinship with him? Anyways, when he saw me? He immediately recognized me. Being recognized by a bum isn't something most people would be happy to admit, but I'm not most people. Judging by his comment, he was happy to see me..."I remember you brother, your the kindred soul who bought me a beer and a hot dog a few months ago. It's my turn to take care of you..Pull into the Quick Mart and I'll treat."
It's not everyday that a bum on the street offers to buy you a beer and a hot dog, so I gladly accepted his offer. I pull into the Quick Mart and he tells me to hang on for a moment while he go's into the store and gets the goods. He comes out a few moments later with 2 quarts of Budweiser and four mini-burritos. I only know this guy in passing, so I asked him his name and what his story was.."My name is Johnny Wilson, and I hail from the great State of Montana." I then ask him how long he has been in Las Vegas.."Yes sir, I've been in the great town of Las Vegas for 3 years and 3 months." For being a bum on the street, his etiquette was second to none. The more I chatted with him the more curious I became, so I asked him why was he panhandling? "Good friend, what is your name?" I told him my name was Rob.."Rob, the reason I ended up on the streets is simple. I don't know any other way to live. I don't have any family, and I enjoy the freedom it gives me." I'm not one to judge, so I accepted his answer for what it was..I then told him I was from Kansas originally, and had been living in Las Vegas the last six years.
After the beer was gone, I thanked him and then told him I had to leave and that he needed to be sure to take care of himself..Las Vegas is a rough town to begin with, and I can just imagine what living on the streets would be like..As were parting, he says this to me.."Don't you worry about me Rob, this good ol' boy from Montana has been shot at more times than I care to remember. Most people have already left me for dead. The one thing I'm good at? Surviving.. The wars taught me that! You stay cool brother, and forever may the wind be at your sails."
I like to end every post of mine with a thought I'm having..Call it the village idiot thought of the day.."I've met a lot of interesting and nice people in Las Vegas, and I've met a lot of people who I don't really care for. A cornucopia, so to speak..I've got to admit something, this guy, a homeless veteran. Well, he really tugged at my heart strings, and that's a very hard thing to do."
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