Last night at work, i was called to a suspicious vehicle in a closed park. I didnt think much of it, usually its teenagers taking their trucks out playing in the dirt and mud, no big deal.
When i arrived, i found a nice F250 Powerstroke, little lift on it, and nice rims, just sitting blacked out in a field. Now, im thinkin there is probably a teenage guy and girl having a little fun, and im about to be the a-hole and screw it up.
As i approach the truck, i notice there is only 1 occupant, an midddle aged guy who appeared to be upset. As he climbed out of his truck, he began to tell me that he didnt know what to do. He explained to me that he had been layed off from the job he has had for the past 20 years, and now cant find work anywhere. He went on to explain how he is about to lose his truck and his home. He also told me that he has 2 children, and he does not even have the money to buy them groceries.
The man told me how he has had a job since he was 16 years old, how he was a hard worker, and he prided himself on that, and now look where he is. As im standing there listening, the man began to cry. He explained how he has sent his resume out to over 100 different companies, from Florida to Maine. He told me how his electric bill was due in a few days, and he didnt know where the money was going to come from to cover it. He explained that his mom and dad were both dead, so he could not ask them for help. He told me how he applied for several government programs, but has gotten no response. He told me how he has gone without his heart medication so that his kids could have food on the table.
Long story short (kinda), i followed the man home and called him a counsler. The man was very appreciative of my time, and thanked me. You could tell he was honestly a good guy. He had a nice home, a nice truck and you could see that he worked hard for them.
The entire time i stood there listening to him, i couldnt help but to think, that could be any one of us, at any time. I know i ***** and moan sometimes about my job, more about some of the people actually, but i need to appreciate the fact that i have a job.
Ive heard other people say they cant find a job, and how bad things are right now financially, but standing there with a grown man while he cries because he feels that he cannot support his family anymore was the hardest thing ive had to do in a while. I felt completely helpless, there was nothing i could do to help with his situation. I guess the point im getting at, is those of us who are lucky enough to still have a job, should be thankful. Everyone has good days and bad, but at least at the end of the week, we still have a paycheck coming in.
Im not the most religious guy in the world, but the guy last night was talking about how God has always provided for him, and he's always had faith. He told me how his faith is running out, and he's honestly scared. He doesnt want to burden the people at his church and ask for money, and he said God hasnt put it in his heart to go ask for it.
Anyway, this situation really made me take a step back and be thankful for what i have. It has also shown me that i need to stop whining and complaining about the meaningless things that i want, but dont have. There are a lot of people out there who are worse off than me, and i think we all tend to forget that. This has taught me to be happy and thankful for what i have, and not dwell on the things that i dont.
. i feel real bad for the guy thats just horrible. 
