THE 2015 COMMEMORATIVE $20 BANK NOTE REVEALED[/caption]
For Queen and Country
Good Gestures
It's late, I was out of Cigarettes. I know, I should quit. Not being able to sleep, I decided that I would quietly sneak out of the house and run to the store. The store, the gas station I mean, when it's this late you have to pass your money through the security hole, telling the Cashier what you want. It's sad, things never used to be this way.
As I walked up I noticed an obviously homeless man, perhaps 30 years old. He could very well have been a drug addict. He was working hard at servicing his bicycle underneath the gas station lighting. I said hello to him, in a friendly manner he said hello back. I made another friendly comment he answered.
While I was at the window I spoke to him about the weather. It's cold, there's considerable snow. He informed me that he had heard that it was going to drop to -10 degrees centigrade. Funny, it felt warm to me for that kind of weather. Then he mentioned the same. He hadn't asked for anything.
Sure, the cold weather tip might have been a play, it probably was. That didn't bother me. I was actually impressed with the amount we spoke and not one other hint of him wanting anything from me. It is cold, it is wet. I asked if he smoked - I think from his reply he took that as something else.
Anyways, I gave him three cigarettes to help him through the night. He was grateful as his face light up in a happy expression seeing them come his way. Up close, I could see he was likely a drug addict. I am sure some friends of mine wouldn't be happy, but I likely helped him through the night.
Walking away, treating someone who is absolutely down, treating them as a person... it could make all the difference in the World. In fact, it could make all the difference to the World. I believe charity should come from the Community. I walked away thinking perhaps if enough people treated this one particular person with healthy esteem and respect that it would be enough to ensure that he cares about himself, changing his ways.
I could see peoples comments on this now. Many would disagree. Often times, I would too. I am not always a nice person. In fact, I think that's true for all of us.
Who is on the Twenty Dollar Bill?
Leaving the Gas Station, I knew where I was going next. Coffee. I can drink coffee like water, but this is a subject for another time. Off to Tim Hortons I go. I am not sure why, but I ended up passing two Tim Hortons before I settled on the one I did.
On the way there, about five minutes away, I note a car facing the opposite direction with its hazard lights on. Someone flags me down with a flashlight. It's late, no traffic. I stop in the left lane against the median turning my own hazards on. By this time I am tired and I'd almost rather not do this, but someone needs help.
A guy, he looks a little rough, he approaches my truck, my door is open. He says he is from Prince George, he just came down here and he's out of fuel. He mentioned something about the hotel a block away, how someone else told him to go there for help. A little confusing to me as I am tired, I'm thinking hop in and I will take you to a gas station.
He mentions that he can pay me with some kind of a $100 gift card / credit card. It's all he has. His wife and kid he claims is in the car. Not sure what his plan is, I tell him to talk to his wife and I will take him. Naturally, he says she doesn't want to be left alone, what he really wants is just a bit of cash. The hotel will help him get gas.
He keeps talking telling me about himself, his amazement down here, his job interview with Translink. He just wants to get to Maple Ridge, he doesn't know how far it is. His truck is sitting very low in the rear, there's obvious weight in it. His story seems rather genuine, of course, I am tired.
I give him $20. He is ecstatic. I know I can't be giving out money and I know I need to reign in my own spending but... he goes on, I can tell from his words he needs a little more for whatever reasons. He's still going to struggle and he asks.. I reach for another $5 and then I change my mind. I pull out another $20 and I ask him...
"Who is on the Twenty Dollar Bill?"
Under the pressure of wanting it he is stammering, but he ends up guessing right. I wanted him to guess right. This is the third time I have given a Twenty Dollar Bill in the last four months to someone in need. Each time, I asked this same question. It would be nice if people made a habit of that, I like it.
After this, I just wanted to drive away but he was so grateful he wanted to hug me - awkward - . We talked a little further, wanting to shake my hand he says I must have a had a good mother. She raised me right. I am a bit stammered about how to reply, I told him I had a good Father.
He went on to tell me about his wife, his little one etc. He was so happy. He mentioned the karma I would receive in return. Rather, I would just be happy to have him read this. I gave him a hand written link here to this website. He's not a computer guy, but let's see if he finds it.
I drove off, bought some coffee and returned to see him gone. I was questioning, but... I'd rather believe it's all true. Maybe he still had some fuel left, enough to risk finding a gas station.. which makes me wonder, I almost seen the same vehicle parked a few Km's away. No hazards this time but with a car behind offering assistance.
Maybe I am tired; maybe I am just too easy... maybe he tried and ran out of gas, I don't know.
God Bless the Queen - May this be a Happy New Year to you.