Comments for I Saw A Homeless Man Die And Now I Think He Is Haunting Me: Page 1

Snowhite, thank you, sweetie! Thank you for the kind words. They warmed my heart. I agree with you whole-heartedly about people needing to try harder to treat each other better and to look outside themselves because they aren't the only person on the planet. I know a few people on this site and in my building who need to learn that lesson. But until that happens, we kind folk just need to keep doing what we are doing. Thank you for your beautiful words, and thanks for reading. Also thanks for the advice. I am going to try that tomorrow.

Rook, thank you soo much for reading. And for the advice, I am definitely going to try those things, starting with the next time I see Justin, I will ask for the journal and anything else hemight have kept. Then, I will go to the hospital and ask around. See what I can come up with. Thank you so much, these are excellent places to start. I am glad I decided to post this because I am so blown away by all the great advice I've been given!

Ngute80, first of all, I need you to do me a favor. Can you PLEASE give your hubby a big hug from me and tell him, "THANK YOU! Thank you for your sacrifice and years of dedication to serving our country. You are a true hero!" Wow is all I can say. I know how hard it is on a family and how much is sacrificed when someone is a member of the armed forces. I will keep you guys in my prayers to ensure he makes a safe return and that his absence doesn't put too much strain on the family.

My fiance was in the Army for 6 years (this was before we met) so I have heard all about what its like to go and fight and all the things that go with being a soldier. I commend anyone who has ever been a part of any of the armed forces for risking your life for each and every one of us back home. Your immeasurable sacrifices have not been lost on us and you're all real-life heroes. Thank you.

And no worries, hon, about the spelling. I, too, use my phone on here sometimes and know how hard it can be to type. 😆 ❤

Well guys, I have to say I'm definately siding with LouSlips and Granny and Javelina on this one, as I too find too many 'oddities' with this story! The friends left outside, the missing security man, the operator, the thing in the mouth, the skirt pulled down ectera, ecetera! Apart from these, how many of us ladies would actually choose to use an 'almost' public toilet when we are within a stones throw of our very own nice private toilet, unless we were 'really' caught short? Also, if any of us found ourselves being able to communicate 'freely' with a spirit, whether it be through flashing lights or taps, wouldn't the first question we would ask be "Who are you?"

Deeply moving story, acuteangles. Your kindness to this man while he was alive is a testament to the type of quality human being you are. And he deserved so much more than the fate he got - these "cast off veterans" stories always tear me up. That being said, both you and he need resolution to this. Rainlilly may have a point - this could be a poltergeist manifestation of your own emotional response to this man's death. Or not. I can't say. Either way, I would definitely follow up on the excellent suggestions already posted for tracking down who he was. My 2 cents: is it possible to post the photograph on YouTube and ask if anyone knows who he is? The daughter or former wife or other family member might recognize him. These things can go viral... If you feel comfortable doing so. Then he needs to be honored for his service and his life in some way. And if you still feel guilt, you should find a way to release it, knowing that what you did for him was angel work. Keep us posted. God Bless.

Granny,
The amount of blood could be from a bleeding ulcer caused by any number of reasons. Stress, diet, liquid diet, or even genetics.
The object lodged in his mouth could even have been toilet tissue from wipng his face.
I find the episode to have far too many holes in the telling of it anyway. 911 operators are not averse to someone providing CPR in a life and death situation. Lou's right about that. And the man being let into the building and then left on his own doesn't add up either. I daresay, this is not the scenario most of us would let go by without questioning it's veracity. I find it curious that anyone would leave their other friends locked outside when it's obviously a life and death matter. Say what you will, but in my opinion, this is a false account.
I cannot, for the life of me, recall any time when I pulled my skirt down to use the toilet. That's just one more in a long list of things.
Biohazard? Right...

Jav

It does help to have an uncle as a mortician and coroner.
Not to mention over 25 years of volunteer work in the area.

Jav

Upon death, your basic John and Jane Does are finger printed, photographed, DNA samples taken, and any identifying marks, scars, tattoos, etc., are recorded. Veterans are usually identified during this process. There has been considerable work done in that particular area. Mostly this was spurred on because the ID process for KIA and MIA that were never returned home from Nam. Those guys have their ducks in a row when it comes to vets. They are nearly the first to be identified because of the work done.

Jav

Moongrim: Thank you, that is a gruesome thought... It would definately account for all the blood, also... 😊

Finding out more about him- I'd recommend contacting the local VA.
Http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp?isflash=1

Because more than likely, someone, there is aware of him and has dealed with him.
Failing that, there is the possibility of contacting the local homeless shelter- for possible information. From my time on the streets- soup kitchens required one to sign in before getting something. If you tell the manager at the kitchen your story- you'd have a better chance of finding more info, privacy issues and all.

At the very least, someone at the kitchen may let word out about the dude and find out if anyone there knew him.

And ZzSGranny, yes technically it is impossible to 'puke one's guts out'; however, with my own work with Vets and alcoholics in mine life- one long term alcoholic can, over time, cause rips and tears in one's esophagus and eventually cause parts of it to be totally or partially expelled.

Which is indeed a gruesome sight.

acuteangles: Um, I don't think it's physically possible to "puke your guts out", so what was in his mouth?...

Matthew, Matthew, Matthew... (sigh). Must we continue to do this?...Apparently we must, because it is obvious you can not stop.

OK, Bri.
Ladies? Help me out on this one. I admit we all get busy in our work and social schedules, heck, I've even rush out of the house before realizing I should have used the facilities first. But unless we are suffering from bladder control issues, a UTI, or you are a toddler; how many times would you be caught and have to use a public bathroom that has been opened to the homeless, just minutes away from your own, before you would mentally put that on your "to do" list of leaving your apartment? Once, maybe twice?
Also, having had more than a few females comfortable enough to use the bathroom whilest I was still present; how many of you ladies would drop your skirt on the floor of a public bathroom, before you would hike it up around your hips to pee? Ladies pull their skirts up; men pull their pants down... Got it?
You see, Matt if you haven't lived it, you can not really know it. Not to say that you haven't flailed your way into a skirt or two on occasion, or maybe even seen a few bare backsides of the opposite gender... But in this case, you literally don't know "squat".
Let's move on, soup kitchens and shelters, unless they are unlicensed and hidden away from the public eye are inspected by health inspectors regularily... No shelter is consistently serving expired food products to the homeless or needy.
Now the real easy part to get you on... The human element. Why, oh why, when facing a life and death situation, would one intentionally isolate oneself from others who could help? Can't really say it was an exclusive building that would not allow you to let your friends in to help a dying man... They let homeless people in, for crying out loud! Which brings up another point... No one at the desk, no one in the lobby, no security guard present... Who let the homeless man into the building?
911/emergency calls. Has anyone ever made one or heard one that did not involve domestic violence or a violent situation where the caller was the victim... That the operator/dispatcher did not want the caller to help the victim, or at least to provide them with enough first hand information to assess the situation? From your description, this is a well known building in a well-to-do-area... The EMT's aren't going to have trouble finding it... So why would a dispatcher keep you away from the dying man? EVERY 911 dispatcher's primary concern is the victim of the crime or accident...everytime.
There is no doubt in my mind you have done your research for this particular persona... You are waiting with fingers poised to respond to any who would need to know how much foundation or rouge to apply after 3 PM on a sunny day; how much eyeliner or eyeshadow to apply for a bachlorette party; or able to recite the ingredients of Chicken Tikka Masala without hesitation... Its the human element that is missing... And it is always missing.
Oh, and tug away at those heart strings, Miss Bri... You are such an angel. Homeless and a Viet Nam vet? Pretty obvious who you are trying to drag in with that one. You are truly as subtle as a jackhammer.
You are carving a familiar path, and try as you might, it is not that subtle. First story isolates a woman; next story involves a woman in a compromising, and for some pseudosexual situation; not hard to tell what the next story will involve since you've already mentioned the "horizontal mamba" in your comments. It is obvious from the stories you've chosen to comment on under this persona that are stored in your profile; that you just can not keep this fantasy life you are forced to lead under wraps.
Just because the root of the word sociopath is socio for social or society; does not make you a member. Will this persona have the gumption to respond quickly, or should I expect the usual wait until you know I am away from my computer for the weekend, and your comment can sit as the last word for a few days? You see folks, Mr. Matt or should it be Miss? Has researched everything... Including your hours of use on this site. I'm sure we should anticipate the usual request to Martin for the comments to be scrubbed... Just kills you to know they are just sitting there for anyone to read, doesn't it?

Lou

Ok how old did the girl look in the picture and how old did he look compared to when he died? You could some how track it that way. So he communicated using the lights huh? Interesting- very interesting. I will be sure to help you. I will leave some more comments if you wish. So he was throwing up uncontrollably? You can use the journal and the picture for evidence. Also, does the ghost try to reveal his presence while you have company? That sucks when the toilet flushes and splashes your bum. It's soooo annoying man! I really hope this helps. Out of all the stories I have read so far this is the one that I choose to dig deeper. There is sure to be a purpose for him haunting you.

Love Ellie

Acuteangles - I like the account.
Some things that you can do:
1. Get the journal from Justin
2. If he was homeless, he was living out of a carton. There are going to be some more things there. Try to get those.
3. You said he was a Vietnam vet. What about his tags? No one gets rid of those. Find them and you are on track. They should be with the rest of the stuff.
4. The hospital may have recorded 'John Doe', but get the copy anyway. It may have some other detail.
5. You said the place reeked of vodka. Trust me on this one - if you can find out where he got the vodka from, you will get a name. Chances are he went to a loud place in the neighborhood.
6. You may be able to find out about his regiment. That should help you with the memorial service you plan.
7. Stop feeling guilty. You just happen to be there as a source of help, so give it your best without the guilt.
8. Somehow I don't want to believe you are new at investigation stuff. Your account has some surprising detail. Good luck with this and let us know how it goes... 😊

one way of crossing spirits is to simply pray for them. Pray that someone from the other side be sent to take them home, and help them see through their pain. If you need more than that pm me.

If you are really set at finding out who he was... Start with Justin... See if he kept the Journal that the two of you found. It may contain 'clues'. You also have the time and date of his transport to the local hospital someone there may help you if you explain what you are trying to do... Even if all they can tell you was the body was ID'd by and released to family members. That should bring some closure, at least to yourself.

RainLilly as an interesting point... Perhaps this is your subconscious reacting to what you witnessed and the fact you feel he had nobody.

Respectfully,

Rook

I love this story and it did make me cry. You are such a loving young lady who has a loving heart. I feel sad for the man. I wish everybody could try a little bit hard to make our world better by caring each other.

Tell him he deserves a better life, don't be afraid to see the light, tell him there will be no pain and sorrow once he crosses over. Let us know how things go.

Please excuse my spelling error in my first comment. I was using my phone:)

Its a possibility that you may never find out who he was or his family. If that's the case you need to find a way to move on yourself.
-Nancy

I loved you story. It touched my heart. I have had a family member in every war as far back as anyone remembers, and my husband has been to Iraq 4 times and going to Afganistan in July. I truly appreciate the kindness you showed this man and how you defended him. Yes people make mistakes but we are all human and should be treated as so. You were probably his only friend in the world so it makes sense that he is hanging around you. You should try to sit alone in a quiet area and talk out loud to him. Tell him. Tell him what ever you feel you need to tell him and ask him to move on. Thank you for sharing.
-Nancy

Miracles - No no I TOTALLY agree with you on the last part. That's the biggest reason I want to find out his name. I know I wouldn't move on without anyone knowing who I was. It breaks my heart everytime I think about it. Especially because his daughter probably doesn't even know he is dead. Could she be his daughter or am I overthinking this? He had very few personal effects so for him to carry around such an old photo for so long - she had to be important to him. And the way the frame was tucked in his blankets made it seem like something he maybe looked at every night as he fell asleep. Again, I might be overthinking this, but that is what it seemed like.

I was crying the entire time I wrote it down, too. It sucks that he had to endure such hardships. Especially because he was just the nicest guy ever.

The toilet thing is the most unnerving thing ever. I have always wondered, "do ghosts watch us on the toilet? In the shower? Doing the horizontal mambo?" I just feel like, "ok, seriously? Lil' privacy please!" But to flush the thing as I am using it is just rude! 😆

I submitted this one a few days ago (I never received a confirmation email stating the mod who reviewed my story, so whoever it was: thank you for adding "homeless" to my title. I think its way better, and clarifies what's going on) and this morning, the married couple next door ambushed me and yelled at me saying I "need to quit making so much noise at night". Apparently, I was making a lot of banging noises and blasted the television. They said that they started banging on my door, telling me to turn the tv down and I didn't answer, but the tv went off, and THEN they heard footsteps walk away from the door while they were still standing there. The thing is, I wasn't even home. I spent the entire day and night with my fiance. So what does that mean? Why would he be trying to upset my neighbors? If he needs my help, why create a ruckus while I am not even there? I don't get it.

I know my first order of business is to get a name and notify the girl (now woman, I'm assuming) in the photo. Do you think I should try to talk to him, though? See if I can get a name that way? Or see what he wants me to do for him? After my experience in Oregon, I am hesitant to open that line of communication because you never know what will come with it. Thank you for reading, and for your quick reply.

My first thought on reading this is that you are unconsciously haunting yourself, if that makes sense. I hope I can convey what I'm thinking.
You saw this man die in a bathroom, so you may be associating him with bathrooms. You mentioned a paper with treatment information that you had intended to give him, and I think maybe guilt for forgetting that paper triggered a poltergeist haunt. Your own emotions, your own mental connections, have begun to manifest themselves. He isn't actually present, but your emotional connection to him is strong enough to cause activity. The more attention (energy) you give the manifestations, the more energy you give the poltergeist to manifest.
In my opinion, an option that will bring you closure on his passing is to try to discover who he was. He mentioned that the food at the shelter was nasty, so you can safely assume he visited the shelter. Start your search there. Speak to the volunteers working at the shelter, talk to the homeless people visiting the shelter, someone may know him. Try local free clinics, someone may have seen him at one of the clinics and be able to point you in the right direction. As undignified as it sounds, try asking around liquor stores in the area. He had to get his alcohol somewhere, so it's worth a try.
It's a tragedy that a veteran fell on such times. An all too common tragedy. If there is any way you could honor his service, even if its something as simple as bringing flowers to a war memorial, I'm sure he would appreciate it.

acuteangles - I don't know anything about Viet Nam Vets, so I can't help you with this. Even if he isn't haunting you, it's so sad that he died and no one knows who he was so that his family can be notified.

I can't imagine his life. It brought tears to my eyes just reading your story. One thing I do know is you aren't the only person who cares. We have a member or two who do volunteer work with Viet Nam Vets. Hopefully one of them will give you the answers you are looking for.

As for the commodes flushing, OMG! I hate that. Truly hate that. Especially when "all systems are functioning correctly." Okay then, wth is it if there is nothing wrong with the commodes 😆. Nothing worse than just knowing you have a ghost in the bathroom with you. I mean seriously! Come on!

Anyway, I hope you get help with this one. I'm wondering if he would go to the light without someone, anyone knowing who he was. It just seems so...meaningless. His death, I mean. If I were him, that's how I would feel. I would hang around until someone found out who I was because dying without anyone knowing would be pointless. Just how I would feel.