He said that there is a large misunderstanding on the streets regarding homes people. He says that some treat every person sleeping outside the same and that just isn't the case. This man was very interesting and I enjoyed the few hours I spent with him. Although he did eat four sandwiches and numerous cartons of milk!
He told me that Hobos travel around in different areas and towns looking for work. They carry their belongings everywhere they go and are hard workers. They just do not have a home. They are the ones that usually have fell on hard times and now can't seem to get back to normal life.
Tramps travel all around from city to city but they don't look for work. They look for the best spots to beg for money. They are the ones that are known to steal or barter to survive. They are the tough ones that you have to really look out for. They are the people who usually are hiding from the law. They will never have an identification card on them.
Last but not least there are Bums. Now they do not travel and they do not look for work...they just beg. They usually are ill or have some type of impairment that hinders them from traveling. These are the ones that are always hanging around. They won't steal and they won't barter. They will just ask for a handout. These are the ones that are usually addicted to alcohol or drugs.
I asked my patient which one he was and he said: "It just depends on what day it is". Ha.
That is life at Ben Taub Hospital for you.
Adjust that Crown
Jonna
