Homelessness: In Plain Sight — Letters that should have been in the new york times

2.20.22

To the editor:

Frank Bruni writes movingly about how his sudden loss of vision in one eye altered his perception of and sensitivity to the usually hidden suffering of others ('Losing my eyesight helped me see more clearly, 2.20.22). He speaks of an imaginary 'sandwich board' that would display our personal, private hardships.

I found the metaphor sadly ironic as I reflected upon my morning walk where numerous homeless people were asking for money for food. Nothing hidden except, perhaps, psychiatric illness - an additional adversity. I struggle in these moments to not turn a blind eye from what's right in front of me and to answer for myself, as best I can, what I can do to alleviate this suffering.

Respectfully

Larry S Sandberg