Bob (again)

Ever since I first spotted him sitting in a side alley, freezing cold, not begging, not wanting anything from anyone and after talking to him, Bob has always felt different to me compared to many other people in his situation I'd come across. I had referred him to St Mungo's Outreach Team. He had an appointment with them but got scared and spent some time in hiding. Then he fell sick for a couple of weeks.
Today I met a different Bob. I no longer had to be on my knees while chatting to him because he was standing. He was looking me in the eye with a far more confident look and... he was smiling! He's started selling The Big Issue. He is now earning some money. He told me he was feeling so much better. I have no doubt where his sense of wellbeing is stemming from. In the harsh reality of the street, when the future is shrinking by the day, despite his obvious weight loss and weather beaten looks, Bob's revived dignity is now driving him forward, upward.

Gosh, did I enjoy our handshake today!