Turn off, tune in

This blog arises in a way from silence.  I don't like opera - which is strange in some ways, but true - so as I drove around town today I turned off the radio and turned on an old CD.  The Chenille Sisters singing "I want to be seduced."  I know the song well, but today the phrase "if I know me" just smacked me upside the head. 
Simple words, but deep.....deep....deep. 
I had just recognized another piece of me: another piece I like, so I turned off the music and pondered "getting to know me."
First, today's story:
My new photography project is to capture all the amazing art/graffiti on frieght train cars.  I've seen a lot of it lately and want to preserve, document if I can, and share it.
I tried to track down some of the places I've seen trains in town and finally decided to head to the rail station "on the other side of the tracks."
This is not a neighborhood I am terribly comfortable in, but I also have a basic faith in the decency of most people, and though it was grey, dark and a little rainy, it was early afternoon; so, like the bear going over the mountain,  I went to see what I could see. 
Trains, pictures and I happened to meet two hobos.  I did not realize there were still hobos.  People who just ride the rails.  I figured there was so much "homeland security" and technology now that nobody would be able to get on and ride.
Wrong.
These two young men - probably mid 20's - were waiting at the train station to hop on a southbound train.  Temps may be in the 30's tonite and they want to get moving.  They were happy to talk to me about how they live, where they've been and how much they enjoy the train art.
They asked for nothing.  They were friendly and intelligent.  They seemed cheerful and determined.
Before I left the station I gave them $20 to help with food and/or shelter.
What is the right thing to do?  Why did I help and why did I only give them money???
If I know me, then I think they are doing what they want to be doing.  I think they have the potential to be dangerous if I were to give them a ride.  I can care about them without thinking I can or should save them from themselves.  But, I left there very happy to have met them, glad that I was able to give them a little help, and wishing them a swift and warm ride south.
And as I drove away (with "Good morning, America, how are you" bouncing around in my head,  I realized again that our choices are often complex, the answers are often easy and it helps if we already know ourselves.
To be continued....it's fun to ponder without a radio or TV.