I'd like to share a post that my beautiful fiance Carrie shared yesterday on Facebook.  It's a bit long, but trust me, it's worth the read! - Bob

"So this AM, I stopped at my new fave Starbucks in San Clemente, it's the easiest to get to, and the nicest :) And my same "new" friend, this nice 80+ year old man is sitting in his fave chair over by the condiment station like usual..& dressed to the hilt as usual :) And friendly as always, saying the most nice, complimentary things that are 100% un-offensive. Every morning I leave there I have a big smile on my face because of him!

Today for some small talk, I asked him if he lived close by, and he nodded and said yes, I asked if he just walked there every morning -and he said yes. And then he pointed outside, and said see that car, I looked and pointed at a big truck -cuz from where I was standing, that was all I could see, and he said, no, not the truck, the... car behind it. I saw it and nodded, and he said "that's where I live" with a smile.. I didn't know how to reply, cuz I thought he was kidding. Then he said, "I live in there, and get up and 4am every day, and come in here where it's a little warmer and more comfortable....and have a bagel and some coffee every day". So at that point, I knew he was serious and was stumped w/words. I thought of a quick reply, & said, well how nice that you are able to come in here and enjoy your morning. He nodded and smiled. Not a worry in his heart. I wished him a great day, as I always do.

When I drove off I slowed as I went by his car, to peer in, and sure enough a big blanket was rolled up in the front seat, along w/a long close rack of all his nice clothes he wears daily in the back seat. That’s all I could see from my side….
:( Every time I leave this Starbucks I have a smile on my face because of him…and today was much different. It truly broke my heart.

Isn’t it funny how first impressions are so different from the real story all depending on how someone looks and presents themselves. I already had his story figured out! I figured out he lived by the beach there, was widowed and every morning took a walk to Starbucks to have his daily coffee and people watch for fun. Funny how wrong I was! So far from the truth. Now of course, for some reason, I want to know more about him, and how he ended up here.

I think next time I see him I will ask how long he has been living in his car.
Is that wrong?

I also want to buy him a Starbucks gift card or something...

He kind of reminds me of my father for some reason. Or someone I just want to know.

Looking at him you would never guess he lived in a car, by his appearance and his kind words. These are the moments in life that make you realize how not everyone has what we are blessed with. And they are not out there begging for you to help. Making you want to give even more...

It's odd how you can be drawn to certain people for certain reasons. :)"