Panhandlers for gas

While coming back from my first trip with my new camper I stopped for gas before I was to get on I-75 in Kentucky, as always worried about mileage and the cost of traveling.

I was pumping gas when two young women approached me asking me to give them gas in the container they were holding.

I looked at them with suspicion due to their request. Both were heavily pierced. I don’t have a problem with piercings, other than the long term intelligence of that decision, so I wasn’t troubled by that.

As we spoke one of the girls lifted her arms above her head and I was surprised by the dark furry armpits she displayed. I glanced down and noted her shaved legs. The thought flitted through my head – you shave you legs, but NOT under your arms? A curiosity, but no big deal.

They said they were out of money and trying to get home to Louisville. I didn’t buy the validity of anything they claimed. They were going to tell me the story that most increased their chance of getting what they wanted.  They were polite and respectful and I harkened to times when I was so seriously without money I didn’t know how I’d make it and I figured what the hell. I also thought of Josh and hoped someone would have helped him in similar circumstances. They didn’t mention one word about money — they were only asking me to pump gas into their container. It’s not like they could use what I gave them for anything other than transportation.

I finished my fill up and started on their 5 gallon container. At $3.49 a gallon I cut it off around $12 and commented it wouldn’t get them to Louisville. I assumed they’d ask others until they filled their tank.

I was glad there were two of them traveling together. There may have been boys who were staying out of sight to facilitate their panhandling for gas. That’s okay.

I think about how vulnerable I am in some ways with all the traveling I do alone. That’s probably the biggest reason I donated to their cause. I have no idea where they were truly going, but I hope they reached their desired location safely. Just as I’m glad I reached my desired location safely.