Met some interesting men last week
 

I was feeling pretty low and feeling sorry for myself with pissing blood and all, but I encountered some special men last week who humbled me.

We hired local young man to do some day labor landscaping kind of work. He was a good worker, and during the day he told me his story. Art grew up in foster homes and growing up was a challenge for him. Some of his stories would make you puke. A lot of kids in his situation turn to drugs and take a downward spiraling path. But Art, as an adult, decided to get his life together and is going to trade school learning CNC machining while doing odd jobs to get by until he graduates this fall. He and his wife adopted 3 kids and have one of their own, so he’s like 22 years old, supporting 4 kids THAT WERE ALL HIS CHOICE, and going to school. He talks about his kids and his wife all the time. After a rough start he’s got his life straightened out and he says he’s going to be a success. I think he already is. At the end of the first day I said, “We haven’t talked about money yet.”
“I was hoping to get $10 an hour.”
“I was hoping you’d work for $15.”
“That’s too much for what I do.”
So we negotiated up to $12 an hour, but I just hand him a wad of cash at the end of the day and he doesn’t know he’s getting $15.

We needed some extra help and Art brought a friend over. He told me, “He looks a little different, so don’t be shocked when you see him.”
He didn’t really look so different. I was expecting something awful, but he had really bad teeth, some scars, and a tracheotomy scar. As we worked he told me his story. About four years ago he got in an argument with his girlfriend and a gun came out. He dropped the magazine out and thought he was safe. She used the bullet in the chamber to shoot him in the face. His words,
“If I hadn’t of had hollow points in it I’d be dead, but when the bullet hit my jaw it shattered and didn’t go into my brain.”
I hope to God I never have to say anything like that.
Devon has been through over 17 surgeries and is looking forward to his jaws becoming strong enough to support dentures. He's doing odd jobs because no one wants to hire someone for full time work if they're going to be out for surgery every 6 months. He's really kicking ass at getting his life back together.

I had some paving done around the new barn we built and one guy on the paving crew was white haired and looked about 60 (turns out he’s 81). MrsWD and I were working around the gardens while they were working and I noticed he was going off by himself a lot. Eventually he came over to me, all weepy and obviously he had been crying and said, “I see how you and your wife are together and it’s breaking my heart. My wife and I were like that – we were always together and laughing and touching. She died last year and I miss her so much I could die. Don’t ever take her for granted.”
That was a good wake up call. I do take our relationship for granted sometimes. I won’t any more. After work he came by and gave me some CDs her singing group had made. He told me about his life. He said he wanted to write a book about his life to share with his kids. I said I’d help, since I've done it before. So I’m back to being an editor this winter. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to listen to this man.

I put some stuff up on Craig’s List that I needed to get rid of. Just giving it away for free. A guy came by to get an old ladder and I helped him load it. His van was loaded with boxes of clothes and food. So I asked him WTF?
He does missionary work. “Oh? Where do you go?” Thinking something exotic like Africa or something. “Appalachia. West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee.” He told me some incredible stories about how some people back in the hollers live. He told me about a boy who outgrew his shoes so they cut the end of the tops off so he would have something to walk on. Some people exist in near starvation conditions and barely speak English – HERE in the United States of America! I donated some stuff to him on the spot. He’s going down in a couple of weeks to spread the gospel and hand out food. We’re going to get together before that. I’ll either give him a couple of hundred to buy what they need most or go shopping myself. Based on what I saw in the van (cans of beans, dry beans, rice, canned vegetables) I’m thinking canned meats. Part of me wants to get more deeply involved, but I don’t know, I’m more about helping people than preaching to them.

I really enjoyed reading that.

Great stories thanks for sharing . There is so much volunteer opportunities in your local community I suggest you start there . Local charities are helping folks that live near you . Homeless shelters/soup kitchens are a start . Are you willing to mentor or teach hands on skills ? Heck even local animal shelters can use extra hands to help out . You will find your niche and good for you to help out.

Good stuff. I don't run into folks that much, and when I do, I don't normally interact enough to find these things out.

Thanks for sharing this, Patrick.

Lot to take in there.

My philosophy has always been anyone willing to get up and go to work each day deserves as much appreciation as possible. No matter what their appearance. They are contributing and trying to pull their own weight. Along with other's as you pointed out.

God Bless those willing to work.

Yeah if you hang out at the Union Cafe Bar, Club Masque, R House, The Cuff or Pony you can meet some interesting men to.

Well you can try the Meteor, Montrose Mining Comany or South Beach...

LOL at Tabs...

Hellofa post...the opening one.

The Heretic in Lanta might be a good niche.

That's what they say about the Parliament House in Orlando..

Now we know where Tabs likes to wear those dragon ass jeans...

I'm just like you.
One of the blessings I've gotten from MrsWD is learning how to relate to people. She never meets a stranger. Within 5 minutes of meeting someone new she knows about their hobbies, their work, and their family and it just builds from there.

I've always been the opposite. When I meet someone I just want to get away from them as soon as possible. I'm learning how to be more like her, and it's paying off.

As well.

We don't have to save the world, just be open to helping, understanding, the next person.

Best, Patrick.

Thanks for that, Patrick.

I've read stories here about folks meeting interesting people standing in line, on a plane, etc.... I've often thought, "I wish I was more like that." I'm still not, but then I'm not dead yet, so anything can happen. I'm probably more talkative now than I was in the past, so I guess that's a step in the right direction.

Yep. MrsWD went down to have a smoke when we were in a hotel in Memphis. I went down to be with her and she was talking to this skinny guy about Neil Young and pickup trucks. The skinny guy turned out to be Spooner Oldham.

https://secondhandsongs.com/artist/10373/works

Another time she was talking to a guy at a truck show who was one of the authors of "Short Shorts" and would have been a member of the 4 Seasons if he hadn't been worried about getting drafted.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short_Shorts

I have never met a stranger but have met some strange people. It's always fun to meet new friends. And always help the next guy if you can.

You're a good man.

I learned to strike up a conversation with almost anyone. One countless occasions just standing in line at the grocery store I will chat up with the next person in line. Virtually everyone like to talk about themselves. Ask any question like, how long have you lived in the area? Any kids or grand kids? Even a comment on the weather can break the silence.

Ahh that Pool Cue in your hand is probably the hardest piece of wood that you have felt in your hand for quite awhile.