full spoons, full hearts

i witnessed something today that has left both eyes widened and reeling. wide because i almost missed it, reeling because though i have tried since to comprehend it, i just can't....despite feeling every ounce of significance the moment carried. as i slowed to a stoplight on one of the busiest streets in town, i saw a leathery woman with a soiled face and clothes matching the crumpled trashbag she clutched against her chest stand up from the bus stop bench on which she sat, turn around with her back facing traffic, and freely urinate on herself. it was not a mirage nor were my eyes tired; she was homeless and i was witnessing privacy stolen, stubborn pride a distant memory to daily survival. city bus stops and blacktops are now the only homes she recognizes, so when basic needs are in need of being met we probably would all do what we had to do to ensure we see the next day. as an aside, this is my second encounter of sorts in two days with someone who is homeless and while i wont be reaching too far with this post to extract some sort of grandeur (which would be, i would hope, to state the obvious), i do take from it just good 'ol fashioned gratefulness. the kind that comes bare bones from what our families instill further into our blood at an early age if we're lucky enough, as we're taught to be thankful for full spoons, full hearts, and a mended roof over head. all this to say, as far as life signs go, my eyes remain widened to them both intentional and haphazard. they will not be for naught....