Some time ago I described a guy that seems to have adopted the little ship of fools we call our department. (I can’t find the article). It described a guy that shows up on our floor frequently - and he is close to a street person - and chats with all of us. Clearly the man has nothing, and barely exists. My colleague, who showed a particular kindness to this guy, mentioned to me that we are probably the only contact with reality this guy has, and that comment has stayed with me. I will call him Albert. Albert has suffered though cancer, losing his wife on Christmas day 5 years ago, and lives on less than $800 a month. His rent for one room is $570 a month and what is left over goes for food. Little wonder he does not present the most favourable of pictures and I guess it is not surprising that many avoid him on the street.
Last week I overheard my colleague say “hey Albert, stop by the Wednesday before Christmas, and I will have a little something for you.” He (my colleague) picked up one of those little gift bags and bought a few things - gloves, a scarf, etc and put in in the bag for Albert to pick up. Then something magic happened. 7 of the remaining 8 people on our floor started quietly dropping things in the bag. A new sweater, socks, personal hygiene items, etc and before we knew it a new bag showed up - this one was one of those 5 gallon bags. It quickly filled and another bag showed up. It too was quietly filled. No one spoke of it. The contents of the bag just grew and no one saw anyone putting anything in. Today, sitting in our board room were two 5 gallon bags of gifts for a guy that had nothing. At about 2 pm Albert shuffled in and my colleague shouted across the room “hey buddy, common in, we have little surprise for you.”
Albert walked into our board room and was completely confused. All of this could not be for him! Yes, Albert, it is for you - it is Christmas, ya know. He was overcome with emotion and wept without embarrassment. He then shook each of our hands with more dignity than I think I have encountered from anyone. Our busy office continued with work - running to answer phones, speak with clients - do what we do every day. As time permitted each of us spent time sitting in the board room with Albert, as he went through his gifts with a joy in his eyes that I have only seen in kids at Christmas.
I am beyond proud of my colleagues. Lola and Marlene who sat with Albert and chatted and joked without any awkwardness., Ross who was the catalyst that started this, my other colleagues who showed a side of themselves that we hide most of the time. At the end of the day, “Ross said, come on, Albert, I will give you a ride home” - and off they went. Albert does not know it - but he gave far more to us, than we gave to him.
...and to Ross Young, thanks pal, without your decent and compassionate nature, none of this would have happened.
Merry Christmas.