Week 1

Before, I tell my blessing from this week I need to give some background information, for those of you who don’t know me. I work in local government and as part of my job I’m the manager of an elderly and handicap taxi program. The program is simple we provide vouchers to elderly and handicap residents to help pay for transportation. They use these vouchers to help them afford transportation to the grocery store, the post office, but mostly they use them for doctor’s appointments.

Earlier this week a gentleman, you will know him as; Mr. Smith came into my office to fill out an application. He called earlier that morning to find out what he would need to bring with him, so he could qualify the same day. Like most programs, our residents have to meet an income guideline. With him living on Social Security, I knew he would automatically qualify for our program. None the less, he brought in his bank statement to prove his income. As I read the statement my heart sank his account had very little left and he wouldn’t get another check for a while. This isn’t news to me most of our residents live on very little. So, I begin filling out his paperwork he begins telling me about his life and how he ended up on social security.

Many years ago Mr. Smith lived out in California he worked in a company that had connections with people in Hollywood. Through his company Mr. Smith met several famous people. While telling more of his stories and adventures, he took out his wallet and opened it to show me a few pictures. Sure enough there he was standing next to Red Skelton. Then he took out another picture and there he was with Kenny Rodgers. He continues to tell me about his life and his adventures. When he was younger it seemed he had a successful career and had money but somehow lost it along the way. His story changed and he started to tell me about his kids and the things he did for them. I soon learned Mr. Smith had invested his wealth in his children and their dreams, but didn’t leave any for him. He went on to share that he gave one of his sons $100,000 to start a business of his own. Mr. Smith spoke with such pride when he spoke of his kids, but his tone began to change a little. It was like in that moment he remembered something sad. He then whispered, “I asked them if they could pitch in and buy me a car. I said it doesn’t even have to be a new car. Just something that can get me to the hospital to see my wife.” He went on to tell me that his kids told him they wouldn’t be able to get him a car. He looked up at me and said, “Jennifer they loved me when I had money but now that I’m broke they don’t know who I am.” My heart broke for him. I quickly changed the subject and asked him about his wife. “My wife is sick and in the hospital. She lost her son recently and the anxiety, depression, and stress from the loss caused her to have a stroke. Well technically she’s my ex-wife; we had to divorce on paper so she could get better insurance. I still wear my ring and I go see her as often as I can.”

My heart continues to break for this man and everything he’s been through over the years. I can fill a lump in my throat, so I quickly change the subject back to the program and began explaining how it works. “These passes are for the bus, it runs Monday – Friday, and these passes are for the taxi companies, they are open 24/7.” Mr. Smith’s expression quickly changed, he looks at me with a puzzled look and says, “Mrs. Jennifer I’m just here to get bus passes.” I smiled and said, “I understand that Mr. Smith but these taxi passes will allow you to go places on the weekends too.” Eyes filled with tears Mr. Smith says, “I can see my wife on the weekends now?” My eyes began to water I smiled and said, “Now Mr. Smith you’re gonna have to stop crying. You’ll make me cry, but yes you can see you wife on the weekends.” Shortly, after that he left me office.

What a privilege to work in a place where I can help get a man to the hospital to see his wife on the weekends. I’ve debated using this story as my first blessing, because I was afraid people would read this and think… How is this story a blessing? You’re getting paid to hand out these vouchers. So, I prayed about it and I came to the conclusion that this man’s story needed to be shared. Not only was I given the privilege to give this man vouchers but he blessed me that day too. You see, I’ve filled out dozens of taxi applications before but I’ve never felt what I felt with Mr. Smith. This was different, he wasn’t looking for a hand out he was just trying to find a way to see his lady.

May God bless you Mr. Smith and thank you sir for blessing me!