Michele 1 #1 November 28, 2002 Most of you know it's been a difficult struggle for me in the last 6 months or so. Financial, emotional, physical, and family wise, it's been about as tough as it gets. My brother stops by today, and we sit on the porch, and just talk for a while. He is a dear, loving guy, and I so appreciate him coming over, as we will not be spending Thanksgiving together. While out on the porch, he points out the disconnect notice from the Dept. Of Water and Power. I grab it, mumbling something about having already paid it (which is true), and we finish our visit. I come back inside, got on the phone, and call the DWP to see what the mistake is. Well, the mistake is mine - I have been disconnected twice in the last 6 months, and they are requiring an additional deposit of $120. I knew this, you see, but because there's been no money, I "forgot" about it. Turnoff is set for Monday. A quick call to my bank confirms what I know already - less than $10 left there, and the balance left on the credit card is only $125. Well, I could eat the earthquake supplies, I suppose.... Tears flowing and the sour tint of desperation coating my throat, I get changed, get into my car. i'm pounding the steering wheel, cursing my inability and failings. Stop lights are embarrassing, because I don't have tinted windows, and everyone can see me. I get myself under some kind of control, and get to the DWP. I walk in, and it's my turn at the cashier's window. Eyes swollen, I see Arturo, the guy who I've dealt with before. He pulls up my account, and looks at me. "Rough right now for you, Michele?" "Yes, Arturo, pretty bad. I have to pay with the credit card." I answer, slidng my Visa across the counter. I drop my eyes because he is really looking at me. Reaching for the phone, he makes a call, and tells dispatch to cancel the disconnect on Monday for my address. He slides my credit card back across the counter, and says "Don't worry, Michele. I'm waiving the deposit fees. Happy Thanksgiving". Grabbing his hand, I can't find the right words to tell him what he's just done - I say thanks, but it's so much bigger than that. I hope he understand what he's done. I squeeze his hand, and make it out to my car before I burst into tears again. For it isn't simply the waiving of the fees, although that matters significantly to me right now. It is more his willingness to help me and to give me a small break that matters. It's the generosity of self that he had to look beyond a bill and paper and disconnect and monies rightly owed, to see a person struggling. And to help if he could. And he did. It was a kindness from a stranger that I will not forget. If you find yourself in a position to help someone, please do. For it isn't the actual deed, it is the gesture which changes perspective and which reaffirms faith. Happy Thanksgiving to us all. Ciels- Michele Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #2 November 28, 2002 That is so cool Michele... You really should find a way to publish some these stories, you write so well, and I'm sure the LA Times would like this little gem... Happy Thanksgiving to you too. So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydiverbrian 0 #3 November 28, 2002 Wow. That's awesome. Good for you. And good for him. In a world full of people, only some want to fly... isn't that crazy! --Seal Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sonic 0 #4 November 28, 2002 Cool !! ----------------------------------- It's like something out of that twilighty show about that zone Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tigra 0 #5 November 28, 2002 Michele, I've had a pissy day, but really, its just a bad day and I was tired and crabby when I read your post. Thank You -- for putting things in a better perspective! Its nice to know there are a few Arturos in the world!! I hope things get better for you! maura Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
n2skdvn 0 #6 November 28, 2002 michele have a verry happy thanksgiving !!!!!!if my calculations are correct SLINKY + ESCULATOR = EVERLASTING FUN my site Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hooked 0 #7 November 28, 2002 Quote That is so cool Michele... You really should find a way to publish some these stories, you write so well, and I'm sure the LA Times would like this little gem... Happy Thanksgiving to you too. Michele, I agree with Gawain, as I have told you before, you should be getting paid for your writings. I am so glad that there are 'nice' people around willing to help someone out. He knew you are a good person and wanted to do something nice to help you outJ -------------------------------------- Sometimes we're just being Humans.....But we're always Human Beings. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #8 November 28, 2002 Great story, Michele. I know you'll have no problem paying it forward. And now I know I really should have snatched that lunch bill from you when we ate out! Happy Thanksgiving, girlfriend! She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
misskriss 0 #9 November 28, 2002 ***You really should find a way to publish some these stories, you write so well, and I'm sure the LA Times would like this little gem... *** I agree... such wonderful writing. i always look forward to reading Michelle's posts.... that story was so heartwarming... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #10 November 28, 2002 It's nice to hear there is at least one "big company" that allows their employees to do things like that. And yes, you really should send that to the LA Times. People who live there need to know about this, and you tell the story so well. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #11 November 28, 2002 Quote And yes, you really should send that to the LA Times. People who live there need to know about this, and you tell the story so well. *The cynic in me is talking*...I don't think the water company would appreciate the story being made public. If word got out, everybody would be down there giving them a reason why they should get special treatment too. Sad state in America today, but if you do it for one, you gotta do it for everyone, or else there's going to be lawsuits.She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hooked 0 #12 November 28, 2002 QuoteQuote And yes, you really should send that to the LA Times. People who live there need to know about this, and you tell the story so well. *The cynic in me is talking*...I don't think the water company would appreciate the story being made public. If word got out, everybody would be down there giving them a reason why they should get special treatment too. Sad state in America today, but if you do it for one, you gotta do it for everyone, or else there's going to be lawsuits. Unfortunately, that is true. Too bad the kind heartedness of this employee probably won't be made public. In his heart, he will know he did a good deed. J -------------------------------------- Sometimes we're just being Humans.....But we're always Human Beings. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
novacaine 0 #13 November 28, 2002 When I hear such experiences of that of your own story Michele, it really brings me joy and happiness that there are kind people in this world. Even if they aren't living where I am. Happy Thanksgiving to you Michele and everyone else. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mouth 0 #14 November 28, 2002 I'm so glad things have taken an upswing for you today. I could read the smile in your writing. I know you can't shot this out but make a point to use your talent by writing him a letter of recognition and sending it to the company. Many companies reward their employees for going above and beyond. If nothing else he will realize how much his act of knidness meant to you. Happy Thanksgiving....{{{Hugs}}} -- Hot Mama At least you know where you stand even if it is in a pile of shit. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingnut 0 #15 November 28, 2002 michele, have a happy thangsgiving..glad it work out for ya......and if ya ever need a little extra cash... ya could take up writing porn novels... cuz you write so good with everything else, you could make a fortune with porn!!!!! ______________________________________ "i have no reader's digest version" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #16 November 28, 2002 Hi, guys - I have written both he and the DWP a letter thanking him/them for doing this for me. Furthermore, I have made myself a promise that as soon as I am on my feet, I will go ask him what charity he prefers, and make a donation of $120 in his name there. This last may take a while, but rest assured, like Andrea said, it's a matter of paying it forward. Now if only I can get on my feet... Quoteya could take up writing porn novels...cuz you write so good LOL... I think maybe I need to look into the possibility of getting some of my regular stuff out there, tho... Thanks for the hugs and the pm's - it helps. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #17 November 28, 2002 Right on! Enjoy your Thanksgiving and some day when you're a very rich and famous writer, remember this and return the Karma to someone else who needs it. --"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #18 November 28, 2002 Quote This last may take a while, but rest assured, like Andrea said, it's a matter of paying it forward. I don't think you need to match the monetary amount to pay it forward. I think you'd be ok just by doing a kind deed, and you already did that by making the effort to write those letters. I love the concept of "paying it forward", it makes both the giver and receiver feel so good. (No sex jokes!) The other day, my parent's cleaning lady broke a lamp at their house. You should have seen the look on her face when she came in the office to tell him, she was so worried. She told him about it and said that she wouldn't take her pay for this week. He surveyed the damage, made a few jokes and finally just said, "don't worry about it, pay it forward." We could see that she was using all her might not to cry when he said that!She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #19 November 28, 2002 Glad you got a good day for a change ,Michele Yes it is good wirting but Quote and I'm sure the LA Times would like this little gem... REMEMBER TO DELELTE NAMES! ARTURO MAY NOT LIKE THAT KINDA RECOGNITION FORM HIS BOSS!My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dropdeded 0 #20 November 28, 2002 It was a kindness from a stranger that I will not forget. If you find yourself in a position to help someone, please do. For it isn't the actual deed, it is the gesture which changes perspective and which reaffirms faith. _________________________________________________ Michele,I know from experience that you absolutely practice what you preach and THAT is why things like this happen.Lifes not always easy for the "nice guy", but this just shows that when someone like you finds herself in a seemingly hopeless situation,things DO work out.Make sure you keep your own advice in mind,"keep the faith". Happy Thanksgiving dropdeded pcss#26------------------------------------------ The Dude Abides. - Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blueshrew 0 #21 November 28, 2002 I was so touched by the way wrote this. I think such things happen to the people who deserve them the most, and when they need them the most. And you really should try to publish some of your stories, everyone here loves your writing, maybe that's your ticket to fame and fortune Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #22 November 28, 2002 Quotemaybe that's your ticket to fame and fortune Fortune I could use....Fame? I dunno... I honestly wouldn't know where nor how to start publishing this stuff. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blueshrew 0 #23 November 28, 2002 You have attracted a lot of attention with your writing in this forum. If you decide to contact a daily paper say about a weekly article, I am sure a lot of people here will back you up by sending recommendation letters and emails. So get that courage up, and we'll be behind you all the way. Just let us know where to send the letters Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hooked 0 #24 November 28, 2002 QuoteQuotemaybe that's your ticket to fame and fortune Fortune I could use....Fame? I dunno... I honestly wouldn't know where nor how to start publishing this stuff. Ciels- Michele I haven't a 'clue' either, does anyone here know? If it was a magazine, couldn't you submit one for review? Or Reader's Digest, one of the many womens magazines, maybe even contact a local paper and ask some questions on how you would submit some writings. You never know, your fortune may 'lie' in your talent to write about human interest stories and emotions. Happy Thanksgiving! Jan -------------------------------------- Sometimes we're just being Humans.....But we're always Human Beings. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dannost 0 #25 November 28, 2002 Dear Michele: What a priviledge to know you, albeit, from a distance. Your pain and your rejoicing over the goodness which lives in some is so very close to home for me. I've gone through a very difficult three years and this season in my life has taught me to look at the good in people and to share any goodness in myself to others. I hope we can continue to chat. God bless you always. Your writing has touched me deeply. What a perfect Thanksgiving Day story. Dan ISAIAH 40:31 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
