Tonight I was on the red line to Silver Spring, Maryland. It was about 6:00 and the car was fairly empty.

Suddenly, without reservation, a young woman handed me piece of photo paper. It read something like this:

“We just arrived to this country and my husband is sick…we do not have money to buy food…we do not have a job…please help…and please return card.”

I looked back at the photo and for a second felt my heart tug. Then the questions followed. “What do you mean, “we just arrived?” Where from, and how did you get in? Of course I don’t want you to suffer, but am I responsible?”

I pulled out a $5 bill. I’ve read that being charitable triggers natural endorphins, and after a weekend of gluttony, I thought this would be appropriate.

In the aftermath of the exchange, after she took the photo and money, I really began to wonder how pure her intentions were. Is this part of an organized effort to scam people? Or, is she really struggling, lost in this world and ridden with disadvantages?

There is no way I’ll every know. But as the nation debates immigration, it’s important to make eye contact with these people. We so casually think of the group without wondering about the individual. Langauge is just one small thing we don’t have in common, but we all have families, basic needs and dreams. We also share humility, passion and drive. Oh, and a metro system.