Derek The Homeless Man, and How I Felt Obligated To Him

Today in Global we discussed the idea of Universe of Obligation, and how many people feel like they will do deeds, but often will not ever complete those deeds. Here, I would like to talk about a time, my girlfriend and I felt obligated to help someone in need. We were in Downtown Mountain View, nearing an ending street, just outside of Tapioca Express (a dive that serves pearl tea and a variety of different cuisines). As we were about to enter the building, we were accosted by someone who seemed to have been waiting out in the cold for hours, and presumably had no one to talk to. He said his name was Derek, and that no one had even stopped to talk to him at all since he was waiting outside by himself. The man, standing in front of the rather minute but well furnished establishment, was not asking for money, or any sort of handout. Instead, he was asking merely for a meal, something he said he had not had in a very long time. I don't think I could be able to quote him exactly, but It was something like; "People have been walking by me all night, all I needed was a bite to eat man...". Seeing him in his condition, my girlfriend and I decided to take him into the warm eatery, and buy him two bags of mild crispy chicken, and sat and ate with him for about an hour. As it turned out, he was kicked out of his apartment recently by his housemate, and had been living on the street for about a week or so, but very rarely within the week had had a decent meal. As we were leaving, he hugged both of us, and said that we were true blessings on his life. I believe that is what really stuck with me about Derek, maybe I do not know his full story, but I still wonder why no one felt the obligation to help him. I do not speak for all homeless individuals, or any homeless community in general. But, if someone is asking for food, and an hour of your time, why not change their world, just for a little while?