_This is a great day to walk to River Park,_thought Rhonda as she put on her socks and

walking shoes. She packed a lunch of a ham sandwich, a banana, and a couple

bottles of water. She put everything in her string bag and walked out the

door.

Arriving at the park about 10 minutes later, she saw the usual

sights--families picnicking along the shore, kids and grown-ups playing

soccer, football, or tag. Rhonda followed the path along the river enjoying

the ducks, geese, and other waterfowl and greeting people as she passed

them.

She loved being outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine. A bird caught her eye as it landed on the river.  She heard rustling in the bushes behind her. She turned and noticed the bridge. Then she saw a tattered man sitting on the bridge eating dirty popcorn and scraps of bread. She pondered his presence and realized he was eating scraps of food that people had tossed to the birds. Her heart broke.

She said, "Do you mind if I sit with you?" The man looked startled, but then

smiled and patted the deck next to him. Rhonda sat down and unpacked her

lunch. She gave half her sandwich, half the banana, and the extra water to

the man.

"My name's Rhonda. This is  one of my favorite places to spend the day.

What's your name?"

"I'm Joey. Thanks for the lunch."

"I hope you don't mind me asking you a personal question, but how did you

get here?"

"Do you mean here by the river, or here in these circumstances?

Both.

I got here today by walking. I live under the bridge by the freeway.

Unfortunately, I have to scrounge for food occasionally. The homeless

shelters aren't always available.

But, to answer your other question, my house burned down with my car in the

garage with no insurance on either. I spent what little savings I had on

buses and taxis to get to work. When I couldn't pay for transportation, I

lost my job. I don't have family around to help me. So, now I'm looking for

a job I can walk to. How about you? What's your story?