I first met her while walking to my friend's house several weeks ago.  Dirty, disheveled, and smelling of whatever God knows what, most people tended to avoid this lady who was obviously homeless.  

I remember her most of all because she had a basketfull of fresh tomatoes; don't know if she was selling them or just trying to get rid of them or if she stole 'em or what, but I (and other people) came to call this woman "The Tomato Lady".

Even despite her decrepit appearance, the woman seemed friendly enough.  I started talking to her, and soon found out that her name was Ellie.  She was trying to make a little money, so she could feed herself.  She didn't say where she got the tomatoes, but I suspect she stole 'em from a store or a market, perhaps.  They were the fattest, plumpest, reddest tomatoes I had ever seen.

Ellie was in her late sixties (but looked more like eighty five): she was wrinkled and brown as a prune, with wiry, bushy grey hair that stuck out in all directions, sparkling brown/black eyes that sparkled and snapped with life, and a thin build.  I don't know how she ended up in the streets, but she was obviously in need of help.  

I told my parents about Ellie after a few weeks of talking to her.  It wasn't easy, but I knew that Ellie needed help.  Hopefully my parents (or someone else) could help her some how.  I prayed that this would happen.

(To be continued!)