She goes about life wrapped up in her own materilistic world, not realizing that life is not all about her.

Drinking the last sip of my Starbucks coffee, I look out to the busy street before me. Another Monday morning and people are running about as usual, attempting to make it to work on time. I acknowledge I have exactly 30 minutes before I have to get to my office, which sits on the seventh floor of the building across the street.

How lucky I am to live such a great life. Successful and rich, who could ask for more.

Suddenly, my thoughts are interrupted and my concentration on my good fortune is broken.

"Excuse me ma'am!"

I look up to see a young man standing next to me. Clutching my Coach purse a little tighter, I reply "May I help you?"

I can see he is dressed rather shabby for my standards, and his hygiene, not so good. I have heard about these people, but one has never approached me so boldly. Surely, he is lost, or may be high to be so courageous to approach me.

"I was wondering if you had a pen I might borrow," he asks shyly.

This is rather surprising I think to myself. I would have guessed he was going to ask me for money. Being that I am in a good mood this morning, I reach into my brief case, and pull out my Cartier pen.

"You may use it, but it is a very expensive pen, so I would like this back," I explain smartly.

The young boy not only has enough nerve to ask me for a pen but he pulls up a chair and sits next to me. He takes out a piece of wrinkled paper from his pocket, and begins to write a number on it. I am much too curious as to not ask. He is using my very expensive pen, I believe I have a right to know.

"What are you writing there that appears to be so important?"

He looks at me, and I can see tears have formed in his eyes.

This situation is becoming increasingly more uncomfortable.I do not have time for tears.

"My father is very sick, and this is the number to the hospital. They do not expect him to live past today."

Smugly I say to him, "I would think you would not be hanging out in the street and be at the hospital!"

The boy gets up abruptly but not before offering an explanation, "I would like to be with him ma'am but I will be fired if I do not show up for work, I have a wife and baby at home!"

Thinking to myself, this is more information than I would like to know. I should not have asked. I look at my watch and I have exactly 15 minutes until I must leave. I am the boss, but I must be an example. Calling in, tardiness, and excuses gets one nowhere. I have heard every excuse there is. Putting that new policy in place will surely keep people in line.

The young man begins to walk down the street when I realize he has taken my very expensive pen. That is just great, I think to myself. I am not going to chase this young man down the street for my pen. I have my dignity and besides my Stilettos would not take that kind of abuse.

I look at my watch and I am exactly five minutes late for work.

Making my way to my office, I have no time for morning greetings. Feeling frustrated, I close my office door. If not for that boy and my pen, which is now lost forever, I would not be behind schedule.

All of a sudden, I hear a knock at the door. "Come in," I say abruptly.

I can not believe my eyes, as there stands that boy. What did he do follow me? This is very discerning. I will have to have the security checked in this building.

Stepping forward, he lays the pen on my desk. "Ma'am here is your pen. Thank you."

I am at a loss for words. "How did you know where to find me I ask?"

The boy looks at me intently, "I work for you ma'am, I am the janitor for your building."