Homeless at home

Recently I saw a woman of Asian origin taking a 7-up bottle from a garbage can and drink from it. We were both waiting for the local train in the subway. Our train came, we got into the same compartment , throughout the journey I could not help but stare at her. She was about 5'3 ,plump and in her late forties. She begged for money from passengers, no one spared her a glance and part of her I guess did not expect anyone to. No matter what, she was always smiling.

I have never been homeless. Never experienced dearth of food. Even though I have gone through some lean times , After seeing her I felt I had never suffered enough. I wondered if I gave her ten dollars , would that be enough? , Probably for me and my conscious. I never understood how much help is enough . I am by no means rich , I do not have jobs to give at my disposal , what can I do but give her 10 dollars?

I will always remember her , the subway lady. She taught me a very valuable lesson. She taught how never to complain about how little I have.