Thread: Just Something to Think About.

Today at work I was helping a few customers when I noticed a man in a wheelchair trying to open the door. I stopped and walked to the front and opened it for him. He said thank you and asked where some shoes were so I took him over and then went back to helping the other people I was previously helping. A few minutes later I went to check on him and he was trying to push himself up with one hand to get a box that was on a higher rack. I walked over and asked what box he was trying to get. I grabbed the box and realized that a man and woman were standing just a few feet away taking a pic of him instead of helping him. That made me sick. This family is in my store at least once a month. They have no jobs, scream at their kids, have no respect for anything and are just disgusting people. The guy in the wheelchair (Kevin) acted like he didn't see them but he knew what was going on. I then turned my attention to him. I got out the left shoe for him to try on but he asked for the right shoe. Working in shoes this happens all the time so I didn't think twice about it. Handed him the right shoe and started up a conversation. Once he had the shoe on I tried again to give him the other shoe. He kinda smiled and pulled up his pant leg. He had a prosthetic. I apologized. He just laughed and we kept talking. I asked him what happened and he proceeded to tell me...

He was in combat when his platoon was attacked. 2 were killed in a road side bomb and another was shot and killed while dragging him to cover. He was fortunate to survive but lost his leg and had shrapnel wounds. When he returned to the states his wife left him, taking his daughter with her. He spent a year in rehab and will live with his mental and physical wounds forever. He jokingly asked me if we had any 1 shoe coupons. I told him to pick out another pair and they were both on me and anytime he need shoes to come see me. We sat and talked for about an hour. He was very thankful for the shoes and said he didn't know how he was going to afford them but he needed them for a job interview. Since he's been back he refuses to get on food stamps or welfare because "he wants it to go to someone who really needs it". This is a 24 yr old man who watched 3 friends get killed, he lost his leg and family defending our freedoms and he still feels that there are people who deserve help more than him. He can't even afford shoes for a job interview!!! This really hit home for me. I am not a military vet. But you have to respect anyone that is. It made me really think.

We live in a country where a thug is shot by a cop and people riot in the streets, burn businesses and demand they be respected. Fast food workers demand to make $15 hr (as much as cops, dental techs and some teachers) because they want to "live comfortably". Tv shows glorify being 16 and pregnant. Obesity is look at as ok and excepted. Communication is only through text and Twitter now. This man almost died to protect our freedoms and that is what he comes home to. People Instagraming a pic of him struggling to reach shoes!!!

He has one leg and is disabled but is still trying to get a job and be a productive member of society. If anyone deserves government aid its this young man. I have to have a license to fish, hunt and drive. He, and others, had months of training and will have years of therapy to fix his mental and physical wounds, yet he can barely afford to buy shoes! And yet we reward people who have no jobs, no skills and keep having kids with bigger welfare checks. It's sick. Everyone deserves help but "help" is all it should be. There are special cases but you shouldn't be able to have an IPhone until every vet is taken care of first if you receive welfare (unless disabled and unable to work) same with internet or any luxuries that better your living off my hard earned money that could be paying for someone else who's starving or can't afford shoes.

With all that said I want you to know I am not rich. I am not a veteran. I grew up poor. Dirt poor. But proud. I am proud of where I came from and what I've become. I am also proud to call myself and American and proud to help our troops out anyway I can. If you see a veteran in like at a restaurant, pay for their meal. They earned it with blood sweat and tears. That goes for kids, animals and anyone that needs help. Take a few seconds and help or listen to their story. You might just make someone's day a little better.

James, you just graduated from bigboy to Good Man in my book.

Originally Posted by midwestexile

James, you just graduated from bigboy to Good Man in my book.

James is a fine person, and that was an excellent read my friend.....My compliments for your good deeds, maybe it will rub off on a few....we all should try and be a little nicer in our daily lives(a few kind words,thank you, have a nice day, hold the door for someone... etc), especially to the ones that help protect us....(Military,Firefighters and Police)....ALL..... put there lives on the line to help others

Very Very Well Said James !!! Excellent !!! Very fine reading Points well made Very kind deed in providing the shoes I am a Veteran and we veterans have nothing on you. Could not be prouder of you My Friend !! Thank You

Very nice James, I agree the people who seem to soak up most of the help are those that least deserve it. It breaks my heart and angers me that someone would choose take pictures of someone in need instead of helping. I saw a sign years ago at a church that said "Be the reason someone smiles today". A very simple saying that speaks volumes to me about taking a few minutes to make a difference in someone else's life. I think you were certainly that reason today and I applaud you.

Can't add a thing James, a most eloquent and true post...Amen !!!

Excellent story, thank you.

YOu should have asked the scumbags with the camera to leave the store. You don't need their business.

Thank you for the kind words Bill. I hope no one took my view on welfare the wrong way. I was heated when I wrote this. It just kills me to see people everyday that cash a government check twice a month that could work but refuse not to. And then to see a man like Kevin who deserves so much more than he's given that want to go out and work and be a productive part of our community. But thank you all for the thanks on this post. All I wanted to do is share a story that touched me.

It sure touched me!!! Thanks soooo much for sharing