Photo by Eugene Kim
Several years ago, I was walking in downtown Houston and someone attempted to steal my purse. A homeless man saw what was happening, ran off the thief and returned my purse. I thanked him, tried to give him the cash I had, but he refused. He told me, “Just be grateful, baby. If you’re grateful, I’ll see you again. Then you can thank me.”
His name was Jules, and I did see him again. I started going by regularly to check on him, give him small items and money. He never expected anything from me and he always just said one thing when I left. “Today is a beautiful day, baby. Pass along the gratitude.”
I once asked him why he was always so cheerful, when he had no money and had to live in the street. He said, “Why not? My happiness isn’t green. It’s the whole rainbow.” I never really understood what he meant, and he never explained it. I can only assume he was finding his own way to repeat the same cliche: Money doesn’t buy happiness.
Jules died from pneumonia about two years ago. One of the things found in his belongings was a journal, with a note on the front page with my contact information, asking that the book be given to me. Jules’ stories and poetry never contained complaints about what he didn’t have or his life on the street. It contained honest and passionate writing from a generous spirit, a person who had nothing, yet still was grateful.
I am very excited to introduce my latest project, inspired by Jules, among others, who continue to inspire me to live in the present and to be grateful for today. The description for this website is Gratitude and mindfulness from lives well-lived. Grateful for TODAY is your daily source of inspiration drawn from the simple — and the now.
“Today is a beautiful day, baby. Pass along the gratitude.”
