A man named “Noodles” is always walking around downtown. He never bothers anyone. I never spoke to him until we both waited at a stop light. I asked him, “how’s your day going?” He smiled and said, “My man, it’s the best day of my life. I’m alive, and God is good.” It led to a great conversation, and he told me his life story. He was a veteran, came to Albuquerque 5 years ago, opened a shop, and the pandemic caused his business to close. He lost his wife in 2020, but despite all his troubles, he still pushes along.