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.
22 Dec 2004 at 07:52 pm | #
You are all true heroes.
22 Dec 2004 at 08:29 pm | #
In some way Cyn, your comment about “Big Frank the Indian” was on my mind today. I learned today that Frank has been on the wagon for a long time. A good friend alway manages to take Frank to the AA dry parties and dances. So much for being judgmental. Ya just keep learning.
22 Dec 2004 at 09:28 pm | #
I think Frank’s been sober for over a year. I ran into his daughter shortly after I posted, and told her what her Dad did and was so proud she couldn’t stop smiling.
22 Dec 2004 at 10:07 pm | #
I am pretty sure I know Frank, too, and met his daughter if the “Big” is right. A real hero there as well. Good post, Craig.
22 Dec 2004 at 10:23 pm | #
Now...that’s the true meaning of Christmas. What a wonderful post, HB.
22 Dec 2004 at 10:32 pm | #
Warmed me to the cockles of my heart ... thanks, Bub ...
23 Dec 2004 at 06:39 am | #
Since I wrote that yesterday I learned of another colleague who had heard of a grandmother - sitting at home alone, little to eat, and family all moved away. A quick trip to the Super Store, $350 for groceries and a delivery and a hug. Another colleague, who has often said that she and her husband have everything - each other, a home to keep warm, food on the table, and their health - have decided for the 6th year in a row, to spend their Christmas shopping money on a contribution to the QEH. Another colleague, who has a wonderful voice, went to the Stamper Residence and sang to the senior ladies who are resident there. The list goes on - good people doing good things.
While I am quite sure that this sort of kindness and generosity goes on in many places, there is something about our small island community that makes me very proud and reminds me once again how fortunate I am to make this place my home.
23 Dec 2004 at 03:06 pm | #
Bub, Of all things I was doing research on workplace bullying and stumbled accross a site that had a link that had a link...I’m sure you understand. Anyway, weeks of reading about unhealthy workplaces and bullies on top of a job where I am a mediator dealing with workplace conflict and voila, I stumble accross this most encouraging and wonderful example of healthy, warm, generous, spirited work colleagues. What a delightful break from my studies.
Blessing and Beijos for your holiday season.
23 Dec 2004 at 04:12 pm | #
I have always had respect for Ross Young. A good deed never goes unrewarded. Watch out Ross...2005 is going to be your year!
25 Dec 2004 at 05:53 pm | #
That is great, trully warming.... I was looking for something like this to post on my blog for Christmas that demonstrates the humilty of some people. Kudos to you all for showing great spirit and warmth.
27 Dec 2004 at 01:00 pm | #
Great story. I enjoyed it very much. Mahalo
01 Jan 2005 at 06:42 pm | #
I openly wept feeling your compassion for this individual. What ever deity you pray to I hope they bring you all the blessings you deserve.