As I walked through the colorful graffiti painted streets of Wynwood Miami on a beautiful January day I came across a man in in a wheelchair on the corner outside a popular coffee shop.
The crowd just seemed to pass him by and pay no attention to him. The first thing that got my attention was the American flag sticking out of the back of his chair. Then I notices that he was in a United States Army uniform. I stopped and said hello to him. He asked me if I could help him. I asked him his name. He told me his name was Jonathan. I was honored to meet him.
Jonathan was a very soft spoken, disabled vet. I asked him if I could take his picture and he said yes.
I spoke to him briefly. He sold me that he had been in a wheelchair for 21 years and that he was a diabetic. Jonathan also told me that he served in the Vietnam War.
The crowds of people just passed by as I spoke to this kind, gentle man who bravely gave to this country.
Jonathan put his life on the line to defend his country and now he is a homeless broken man in a wheelchair asking people for money to survive his daily needs.
I gave Jonathan $5 and I wished I could have done more. I was truly honored to meet this soft spoken, gentle man who bravely served our country.
I truly feel blessed that our paths crossed.
