A question about etiquette ...What to expect for a day of helping people?
I bought a AAMCO 4000 brake lath few years ago. Now I do drums and rotors for the whole neighborhood. One neighbor I know I've done at least 8 Rotors for, now he will thank me but never tries to pay me. Well he shocked me the other day and brought me a $50.00 Bass Pro Gift card! I was shocked.
Your post reminded me of something.
A couple years ago, I had a young man walk into the shop. He looked at me kinda strange, then finally asked if I worked with a Santa program. I told him that I have for the past 25 years. He then told me he was one of the kids that was involved with the program.
I rarely learn about some of these kids background, but this "kid" told me that was the best Christmas he had ever had in his life to that point.
His dad was out of the picture, mom had a drug problem and he was passed from family member to family member. But that one day in his life, he said people were truly nice to him and acted like they cared. He told me that he especially remembered that I went out of my way to talk to him. I was the 1st adult male that wasn't mean to him. I have no idea what I did, or said, I doubt it was anything I wouldn't do for anyone else. But, it was enough to make a lasting impression on that young man.
I'm not to proud to admit, when he left, I went into the office and sobbed like a baby. Kinda tearing now just thinking about that day.
I've been frustrated lately, one of my sponsors, Payless Shoes, went out of business. I've been worrying about where I'm going to find 25 pairs of shoes at Christmas. It'll work out, I'll figure something out. I always do. That visit by that young man reminded me why I bother.
Not everybody gets a fair chance, and if there's something, even meaningless on your part, that you can do, just do it.
