Yesterday, as I approached my office, I came across a pigeon which was sitting, almost motionless, at the side of my office building.
You could easily tell that it was old, sickly and not long for this world.
Though I came very close to it, the creature barely moved. I could see its body laboring to breathe.
This sight saddened me and made my mind think of all the people out there that are alone, sick, and perhaps nearing their final days on earth. The thought bought a chill to my heart.
During the day, I had forgotten about the bird as I became consumed by a million other thoughts and worries.
Deadlines, bills, client messages, my family, on and on, my mind was bombarded and my spirit smothered. The long day finally came to an end and I exited the building.
I headed to the parking lot as I do each day and suddenly my eyes looked to the ground and there, in the exact spot where I had seen it earlier in the day, was the pigeon, only now it lay still and lifeless.
The bird had spent its last moments alone on a cold pavement while the numerous passersbys ignored it, too busy going through the motions of their daily routine.
It was only a bird, right? True, but if you think about it a moment, it was a living thing; if you truly think hard, I am sure we all know someone who at this very moment is much like that bird.
Alone, sick, afraid and perhaps nearing the end. I am not sure why I am sharing this sad thought with those of you that will bother to read it except for the fact that the very idea of someone having no one, hurts my soul.
If you know someone in this situation, take a moment out of your busy day, reschedule some minutia, and check in on them to let them know someone cares.
Loneliness often goes hand in hand with depression, and like any other terrible illness it hurts deeply.
Choose to be human, and rather than turn away from the hurting, try and ease their suffering a bit.
God bless all of those out there that are in need and send them someone to lighten their spirit.
Michael Cascio
New Hyde Park
