What does a hello mean for a homeless man? “You gave me dignity”

A pictures of Jesus and the homeless at St. John's Hospice, Philly
A pictures of Jesus and the homeless at St. John’s Hospice, Philly

Yesterday afternoon I was in Philly delivering some socks. I was talking to Gerry at St. John’s Hospice and there was a homeless man, I believe his name was Nate, a few feet away.

Nate made eye contact with us.  Gerry said hello and shook his hand.  I said hi and also shook his hand.  We chatted for a few minutes.

Nate said thanks for not looking through me, you gave me dignity.

The amazing power of just saying hello.