Jun
2009
Somedays We All Need A Little Help……
A few weeks ago at work, I had a visit from a gentleman that I knew…….not real well, but I had helped him numerous times fill out paperwork and apply for some government programs.
He was not a senior, but was disabled, mentally challenged and not really able to hold a job. I knew from filling out forms that “Joe” did not have very much money. He was usually unkempt, dirty, and his clothes never seemed to fit. He was one of the ones I actually wondered how he managed to live on such a small income from Social Security Disability.
I figured Joe needed my help with something, so I was really taken back when he sheepishly asked to borrow $20.00…………
My immediate thought was to say no. I really didn’t want to start something I would be sorry for………
Joe promised to pay me back, and looking at his hunched beaten demeanor, against my better judgement, I said yes. His face immediately lit up …..all the time swearing he would pay me back.
I handed him the $20.00 bill, knowing full well I would never see it again. A co-worker was in my office shaking her head and telling me I was nuts.
Today as I was typing away at the computer, I looked up to see Joe. I cringed…….’here we go’, I thought, ‘he probably needs more money?’
He handed me a crisp new $20.00 bill. “It’s payday, and I promised I would pay you back” he proudly announced.
All I could do was smile……….my faith in mankind somehow always has a way of getting restored…………
.
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22 Responses to “Somedays We All Need A Little Help……”
By Jen on Jun 16, 2009 | Reply
What a great story. I have been put in that position as well and have not seen the money again. But, sometimes you just need to do it.
By Futureblackmail on Jun 16, 2009 | Reply
This story gave me the goosebumps. When so many people need such large amounts of money – it’s amazing what $20 will do.
And the fact that he had enough pride to 1. ask and 2. pay you back – incredible.
By SuprisedMoom on Jun 16, 2009 | Reply
Oh, Wow! Great story! Thanks for giving my faith in mankind a boost today.
By foradifferentkindofgirl.blogspot.com on Jun 16, 2009 | Reply
It definitely has a way of coming around and surprising you, doesn’t it?
By Violet on Jun 16, 2009 | Reply
Long ago, someone told me to never expect to get back money I loan. So nice to read stories like this – they do restore our faith in mankind, don’t they?
(I would have wanted to give Joe the $20…but, thanks to my debit card, I almost never have cash anymore)
By bluntdelivery on Jun 16, 2009 | Reply
aw, i love stories like this. i struggle with the same thing and wanting to help people. i’m so skeptical. i used to be the eternal optimist, but life has a way of changing that.
By Ree on Jun 16, 2009 | Reply
yay! and then some. what a wonderful story – I’ll have this smile on my face the rest of the day.
By Hyphen Mama on Jun 16, 2009 | Reply
Wow! I’m all kinds of teary-eyed. Wonderful story.
I was recently a Ms Judgy McJudgypants and when it all came together I felt like a complete jerk for judging so harshly and the person ended up helping me immensely. I was glad the only person I’d ranted my judgments to was my husband and he knows I’m a jerk.
By Jenn @ Juggling Life on Jun 17, 2009 | Reply
What a great lesson. Thanks for the lift.
By passions & soapboxes on Jun 17, 2009 | Reply
We should have more faith but it is so hard to do when you are a pessimist like me. Great story to hear.
By Stesha on Jun 17, 2009 | Reply
The entire time I was reading this I was holding my breath. “Please be there to pay her back.” And he did. A man of his word is my kind of man.
Well my husband is my only man, but you know what I mean.
Hugs and Mocha,
Stesha
By Mrs Zeee on Jun 17, 2009 | Reply
Great story. God Bless Joe, and thanks so much for sharing this. I like to get my day started with an inspiring story — it grounds me.
By Typ0 on Jun 17, 2009 | Reply
I once read that we should never loan anything expecting to get it back. If it does come back to us, we should consider it a bonus.
Good for you for loaning him the money when he really needed it. I don’t knwo many people who would. Myself included.
By dena on Jun 17, 2009 | Reply
it is sooooo nice to hear a story like this…I get so tired of hearing BAD things…so thank you for sharing something good!!!
By Aunt Becky on Jun 17, 2009 | Reply
Excellent story. I’m so tired of the negativity and I so needed that today.
By The Stiletto Mom on Jun 17, 2009 | Reply
I’m a little teary at this post. The same thing happened to me once. I loaned some money to a friend who had shattered his leg and was unable to work. Gave it to him and said it’s a gift, you don’t need to pay it back…just wanted him to be able to make rent bc he couldn’t work. Several years later, after recovering from his accident and back at work, he mailed a check back to me for the full amount with the sweetest note I’ve ever received. I still have it to this day to remind me that people are basically good and honest.
I adore this post. xo
By Jessica on Jun 18, 2009 | Reply
what you did was a mitvah and now both of you have given each other the gift of knowing not all people are bad. Wonderful
By Lynne's Somewhat Invented Life on Jun 18, 2009 | Reply
What an amazing story. Thank you for telling it. I wish I could help all the Joe’s of the world. I’m glad you helped one of them. Maybe tomorrow we will all be inspired to be a little kinder, a little more generous, thanks to you.
By Pattie on Jun 18, 2009 | Reply
My father was a truck driver, and we would travel all over, and meet all sorts of people. People would ask him for money, and he would give it to him though we would never see them again because we would have to leave the state or go to another. But he would always say that you never know how you are helping someone.
I think the coolest thing is, one day we were coming from church (we used to park across the street from the church so we wouldn’t get held in the traffic) And, a man came up to us. He asked my dad if he remebered him, my daddy said no. And, he reminded us of a time in New York when my father loaned him some money. He thanked him, and said he had a full time job now and all this stuff (but after that point I kind of walked away b/c I was a kid, and was like oh friends lol)
But, that is my spill
By Yaya on Jun 20, 2009 | Reply
Wow. What a nice surprise.
By fiona on Jun 20, 2009 | Reply
Very nice! Loaning money can always be a bit uncomfortable but this sounds like a good experience!
By Mrs4444 on Jun 21, 2009 | Reply
That is SO great. It’s stories like these that keep me trusting
Nice.