I must have been 6 or 7 years old, and living in San Francisco with my mother. Aunt Valerie, Aunt Theresa, and Uncle Steven had brought my sister, Valerie, and I in as a surprise for Grandpa's birthday. Uncle Steven took us to the park and bought us Italian Ice's (which we had never had). I was a little sheltered at the time (and arguably to this day :0) and was very saddened to see a homeless person. He was cold, and I figured hungry, so I asked uncle Steven to give him some money...He said no and I argued that no one should be hungry. He told me that he would not buy food and was only interested in booze. I rationalized that he would like food...Uncle Steven then made a proposition. He said, "I will give you $5.00 and you can either use it to buy food for this man, who I know won't eat it, or spend it on yourself however you want.". Those of you who know me, know that I am not at all stubborn ;0) so I asked him to take me to McDonalds to buy food for the bum. I spent the money uncle Steven had given me on cheeseburgers for the bum and we went back. I was so proud when I handed the bum the bag, expecting gratitude, and to prove that I was right to my uncle. The bum took one look into the bag and promptly crumbled it up and threw it to the ground. I was devestated...still am to this day, really. But I learned a lot that day, and the fact that my unlce didn't say a word about it, that day or ever since, was part of the lesson of the day. In closing, I'd like to thank Uncle Steven for giving me the gift of family in his passing...it was much too high a price to pay, but I will not let him down and will cherish that gift all of my living days.