DEAR ABBY: Something happened that has changed me forever. One night I attended a concert at my church. Because I'm on the refreshment committee, I stayed afterward with a girlfriend to clean up.
Everyone else had left. We had just finished sweeping and gathering trash, when I turned around and found myself face-to-face with a homeless woman. I was so taken aback, I was speechless. She admitted being drunk and said she had nowhere to go for the night.
I am ashamed to admit it, but I had no idea what to tell her. I finally asked if there was someone I could call for her, but she said no. She didn't ask for food or money -- she just stood there. Here was a woman in great need -- standing in my church reaching out for help -- and I had no answer. I felt helpless.
After she walked out, I was overwhelmed with sadness that I had sent her out into the cold to sleep. Only then did I realize I could have called our local women's shelter or the local mission. I don't know that she would have gone, but I could've at least offered to make the call.
I sit here tonight knowing I failed her. It has tormented me ever since, and while I know I cannot change the past, I hope something good will come from this experience.
Abby, I am asking each of your readers to go to their phone books and jot down the numbers of local shelters and rescue missions, then slip the list into their wallets. They may never need to use it, but if the opportunity arises, they could make it possible for one less person to be on the streets. -- HOPING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
DEAR HOPING: Please stop feeling guilty. You were startled by the woman's presence and could not collect your thoughts.
You've given my readers and me a helpful suggestion. By writing this letter you have perhaps helped thousands of other homeless people, and for that I thank you.