You'da thunk I sent a million dollars!

[Atman]

An old friend of mine has been going through some tough times. She and her family lived in middle Georgia, renting a house that turned out to be full of black mold. Had to move, so they moved back home to Florida, where hubby had landed a job. After one month of work, the company went belly up, hubby only got two weeks pay. They had to move again. All their savings eaten up in moving expenses. Now they have no money for even the basics.

So the other night I wondered what the hell I'd do in such a situation. You can't feed the family or put gas in the car because you have to give all your money to a big utility to keep the lights on. They can't get public assistance in Florida because, A) they just moved from Georgia and don't have proper Florida ID, and B) they moved to Florida. Not the friendliest state in the union.

So I send them a $100 Publix gift card. It fucked up my own budget, but at least I have a roof over my head and some work. Today I got a message from her. If you can express crying over the internet, she did it. Massively excited to go to Publix and pick out some fresh produce and protein instead of Frozen Sodium Boxes from the 7-11.

Point being, we donate produce from our garden to the local food bank. We help wherever we can, charities are great. But often times there are people you actually know that need some help. They're often too embarrassed or ashamed to reach out. Don't wait for them to ask. If you know of someone who is hurting, extend a hand. In this case, the reaction to $100 seemed as if I'd just given them a million. They can eat salad for a few nights instead of a pack of Pizza Rolls.

Sometimes we on DU talk about the pain others are suffering, but then just log off and go to bed. Tonight I'll go to bed with a bit of smile in my heart, knowing an old friend won't have to eat Tostino's again. At least not this week.

[sheshe2]

1. You are a beautiful human being, Atman

your heart is full.

Thank you for that, you make DU a good place. Good luck to your friend!

[BobTheSubgenius]

2. I know you won't take a bow, but...

...you should. Good on you!

I prefer to help people directly, too. No overhead to whittle down the donation, if nothing else.

[Terra Alta]

3. You did a wonderful thing.

I've helped my best friend and her family out many times. Over the past six years I've probably forked out a couple thousand dollars helping her put food on the table, keep the lights on, and help with her mortgage. She has a job but the pay isn't great and most of the money goes to bills. She is a wonderful lady and I don't mind helping her out at all, if not for me who knows where she would be.

Helping people through tough times is what being a liberal is all about. Conservatives would just blame these people for the mess they are in, telling them to "pull themselves up by their own bootstraps".

I'm glad I'm at a place right now where I can help out others, and it makes me feel so good to do so.

[onecaliberal]

4. Way to go Atman!!

[mahina]

5. Thank you so much.

Your post made my day. Knowing stuff is one thing.

Who was it who said that actually doing the smallest good thing is much better than thinking about doing the grand big thing? You are my favorite DU'er <3 for the day. Maybe the week. Maybe more. Anyway thanks, inspired.





ACTION

[japple]

6. Bless you, Atman, for the difference you are making in the lives of those you touch.

If the time ever comes that I am in need, I hope that someone like you is watching out for me. Blessings and peace to you and your family. You are a champ!!!

[cantbeserious]

7. Well Done

eom

[Liberalynn]

8. That is a wonderful thing!

When ever my Mom would say she wished we had more money Dad would always say back "We have a roof over our head, food to eat, clothes and shoes, and a car to get us where we need to go. What more do you need? Be grateful because there are plenty of people who don't even have those things."

My Dad was right and I always try to remember that and help when I can.

[shenmue]

9. Yay!

[Ilsa]

10. I sent cash to a friend for his birthday.

He's been unemployed for a year. I hesitated because he's so proud and might have preferred a gift based on thoughtful consideration of his likes and dislikes. But he was so grateful for the cash as a practical gift, that I realized I had done the right thing. He really needed the money.

[redruddyred]

11. hells yeah.

bring back that old new deal spirit!

[A Little Weird]

12. Good job!

Sometimes it's not shame or embarrassment that keeps people from getting help. Someone who has been doing ok and suddenly falls on hard times may not know where to go for help. It's not always easy to figure out what to do.

[niyad]

13. many blessings to you, and wishing wonderful good things for your friends.

[deek]

14. generousity is natural for you

not so for so many others

congratulations

[BlueJazz]

15. Atman: It's people like you that give me hope for the human race.

[Enthusiast]

16. Ya done good, Atman.

[malaise]

17. Very sweet

You're a good person

[ctsnowman]

18. Thanks for the post.

My daughter had cancer at at very young age. Even with good insurance we were in deep trouble. I had a really hard time accepting help from friends and strangers. One of my best freinds told me that the reason Buddha was fat was because people kept bringing him food and he ate it to make them feel better not because he wanted to. It really changed my life. We have to be willing to give and receive the help of others.

Thank you for being there for your friend and I hope I didn't offend anyone with my story.

[Atman]

20. I loved your story. Thanks.

I can't call myself a Buddhist...because then I really wouldn't be a Buddhist. But after much reading on the subject (Buddhism Without Beliefs by Stephen Batchelor is one of my favorites), I totally understand what you are saying.

[CrispyQ]

19. I think it's called pay it forward.

You did good!

[Lenomsky]

21. Took the words from my mouth.

Sharing is caring <3

[CrispyQ]

23. I bought a vintage piggy bank on Ebay.

It was advertised at $20, but no one else bid & I got it for $5. I felt bad cuz I would have happily paid $25 for it. My card got processed for $5. When I got it, I sent a check for $20 to the woman I'd bought it from. The thank you note I got in return was heart breaking, in how much difference that extra $20 had made in her life.

[Booster]

24. Wow. That is really going the extra mile. You certainly didn't have to do that, but the fact

that you did says a whole lot about you. That was a very thoughtful thing to do. Good for you.

[Atman]

28. ^^ Yup

[AtomicKitten]

22. You are a good egg, sir.

[rhett o rick]

25. Very cool. nm

[Anansi1171]

26. Paying it forward, Atman. You got their back...

...and we got yours.

[chervilant]

27. Such a great OP!!!

I have wealthy family members who would not raise a finger to help me. And, I've been un- or under-employed for over six years! Instead of helping, they berate me for "not earning my keep."

I tell my friends, "I'm the poorest I've ever been, and I'm the happiest I've ever been!" I have established and maintained a distance from my toxic family, and my creditors can kiss my go-to-hell. I will resume paying what I can WHEN I can.

The only thing that still weighs heavily on me is my dental health. I need two root canals and two crowns--something that won't transpire in THIS lifetime!

Thanks again, for this very compassionate OP, and for what you did for your friends!