Close Ad

Everyone at Burger King Ignores a Desperate Man as He Sobs at a Table — Here’s Why One Woman Can’t Just Look Away and Ignore the Situation
burger king
Uplifting News

Everyone at Burger King Ignores a Desperate Man as He Sobs at a Table — Here’s Why One Woman Can’t Just Look Away and Ignore the Situation

All it took to turn the situation around and bring this man out of deep despair was one woman who refused to look away.

Katy Hurst was waiting in the drive-thru line at a Burger King restaurant in Independence, Missouri, when something caught her eye: a man was sitting alone at a table inside, his head in his hands. And he was crying. 

As far as Hurst could see, no one approached the man to ask what was wrong. The other fast food customers just continued about their own business, ignoring the older man’s distress. It broke her heart. Hurst was so upset by the tragic scene that she took a picture and posted it on Facebook. The picture would become a catalyst for action.


After a minute, Hurst realized that something about the man was familiar. She had seen him before. And then it dawned on her: The man crying alone at the table was a recognizable figure in the community. Hurst often saw him riding his bike around with a cart hitched to the back. People called him Pops, and Pops was homeless.

Sobbing and Alone

Image 3 1100x619
(Inspire More)

Homelessness carries a lot of stigma. Homeless people are used to being ignored; in fact, many will say that they feel invisible. But a little bit of compassion can go a long way. To look a homeless person in the eye and acknowledge their presence is to show compassion and empathy. It’s letting them know that they matter, too.

But Pops was sitting alone. And as he sobbed, his head in his hands, no one asked him if he was okay. People walked right past him, as if he didn’t even exist.

RELATED: An Anonymous Man Is Feeding the Homeless at Night Dressed as Spider-Man

Hurst couldn’t let that go on. She got out of the drive-thru lane and parked her car. She approached Pops and sat down at his table. They started to talk. Pops told Hurst that he was having suicidal thoughts. He felt alone in the world, and he just wanted it all to end.

Hurst looked him in the eye and said, “Today is not that day.” 

An Incredible Generous Spirit

Then she asked Pops to come home with her. She made him some hot meals and gave him a comfortable place to sleep. Hurst noticed that Pops seemed to be in pain, so later, she took him to a medical clinic to see a doctor. As it turned out, Pops had several broken bones. He told the doctor that, living on the streets, it wasn’t uncommon for him to get beaten up.

Meanwhile, Hurst’s Facebook post was garnering attention. Other people in the community recognized Pops and wanted to help him. Offers of food, clothing, money—and even a haircut—started pouring in. Pops was no longer being ignored. Thanks to the photo, people were really looking at the homeless man now, acknowledging his need, and reaching out to help.

Hurst set up a crowd-funding page for those who wanted to offer Pops financial support. At last count, the community had raised over $8,000.

“We have to help each other,” Hurst said. “Helping each other helps all of us.”

Indeed, when we pull up the most suffering members of our communities, we are helping to raise the community as a whole. All it took to turn Pops’ situation around and bring him out of deep despair was one woman who refused to look away.

KEEP READING:

Woman Brings 97 Homeless Dogs Into Her Home During Hurricane – Now She’s Trying to Get Them Permanent Homes

Hot Stories

Pamela Anderson Opens Up About Her 9 Disastrous Weddings
Why Pamela Anderson Can't Stop Getting Married

Pamela Anderson has it all: beauty, fame and success. So why can’t the most famous blonde find her fairytale ending? Why is Pamela so unlucky in love and what dark secrets lie behind her seemingly glamorous life?

Keep ReadingShow less
Life Stories
Dr Dre points up at text that says 25 rapper quotes to motivate you
Goalcast

The genres of rap and hip hop have been demonized by their association with gang violence and have often been represented by questionable characters. But we can’t overlook the fact that there are a lot of rappers out there who inspire and motivate us every day with their powerful lyrics and hypnotizing beats.

Just like any other form of art, rap is a representation of the artist’s personal experiences and emotions. A representation of what living in a rough environment really means and an expression of the grit that a tough life demands. They speak from life experience.

Keep ReadingShow less
Musicians
Elderly woman selling baking goods outside and an elderly woman with glasses.

Stranger's Video Helps Grandma Selling Baked Goods Go Viral

FOX13 News

Every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday without fail, Inez Hudson can be found stationed outside Super Choice Foods supermarket in Lakeland, Florida.

The 73-year-old woman sells homemade pies and cakes to support herself as her fixed income isn't enough to cover her living expenses.

She has her good days and bad days. That is, until now. Because thanks to the kindness of a stranger and the power of social media she just became a viral sensation. And now? Her baked goods are selling like hotcakes.

Keep ReadingShow less
Uplifting News