After a  Wednesday evening shopping adventure that surprisingly ended with me not blowing more than $100, I was greeted with an amazing sound in Target's parking lot along E. State Street in Rockford, I didn't know what was happening.

IS IT THE END OF THE WORLD?

In Sunday school I learned as a kid that when Jesus returns to earth angels would be accompanying Him while playing beautiful music. For about a quarter of a second I wonder, "Ummmm, is this it?" My next question was, "Is there a wedding nearby?" I was so confused. I even looked toward the sound I was hearing thinking about some blasting Vitamin String Quartet's version of John Legend's "All of Me." Then, I spotted the source across the parking lot.

Lately, there has been a lot of talk around Rockford about the oversaturation of panhandlers, which is not an illegal activity, as you'll read here. Personally, the sight of someone asking for money at an intersection does not even phase me anymore. It's almost unnoticeable, in fact. Does that make me an insensitive or bad person? Debatable.

WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH A VIOLIN PLAYER?

Good question. Here it is.

Credit: JB Love, Townsquare Media
Credit: JB Love, Townsquare Media
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At the far end of the parking lot of Target of Rockford, I spotted two people outside of a minivan that was parked perpendicular to the parking spots. After getting into my car, which wasn't too far away, I drove closer for a better look. THere it was, an older teen playing the violin connected to a speaker standing outside the van. Near the legitimately talented musician was a woman holding a sign.

I NEED HELP

FOOD AND RENT

GOD BLESS

Ordinarily, I would keep on the task of driving wherever I was headed, which is what I began to do. But then something inside me said to drive up to them and give them some of the cash in my pocket. The woman was visibly emotional with joy while the young man continued to play his violin. The van had California plates and looked like there may have been at least one person inside.

I don't know their story, whether they're actually in need, I just went with my gut. Why? Because that kid was one hell of a violin player.

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