A moment of clarity.

11 days ago, I flew from Phoenix, Arizona to San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico to visit a good friend with another good friend from Hawaii that I have known for 43 years. It is rare to have that kind of long-term relationship. We flew one way and drove back to the United States over three days. Do not do this, by the way. This is extremely dangerous. It was an eye-opening experience for many reasons.

I stopped in California for the night to check in on my parents where my father was healing from surgery and doing fantastic. The next day, I was pretty broken down, physically and emotionally. I’m a pretty tough guy. What they used to call a man’s man. I am 57 years old and so is the beautiful soul I’m about to introduce you to. After a night of rest, I was able to help my parents get some things done around the house before I was to head home. In my present emotional and physical state, I did not think it was wise to drive home, so I flew home that evening. I got to bed about midnight. I got up at five so I could attend the “No Kings Rally” in Phoenix.

After attending a portion of the rally, I realized that nobody was talking to each other and as we all walked back to our cars in 108° weather, no one even acknowledged those on the streets that were suffering so greatly. Not that they looked and looked away. They didn’t even bother to look. I carried around a large sign that read, “WWJD – you know the answer.” I just wanted people to take a second and think. And if they didn’t know what it meant, maybe they would Google it or whatever and figure it out for themselves. Just food for thought, that’s all. If you’re religious or not, there are some good lessons to be learned even without the religious devotion. Just love each other and help each other and accept each other and otherwise mind your own business. But if we’re not helping others in great need, what are we really doing? Complaining? Expecting somebody else to do it? Not wanting to help because when you financially help, you never see change? Well, here’s a chance to make a direct impact on one individual’s life. That’s how it starts. One at a time. If not, the problem just exacerbates.

On my way back, I spoke with an individual living on the street. He had a little dog and we talked for a long time. I was blessed to meet this individual. This moment is the reason I had to go through such a difficult time. To bring me right here, right now. This was my opportunity to make a difference. This was my opportunity to walk the walk and not just talk the talk. And make a true difference in one individual’s life. It will then make a great difference in others' lives. I will refer to this individual as RBM. It’s an acronym for his nickname, but I am not able to divulge his full name at this time without his consent and for safety reasons.

After speaking for a long time with RBM, I told him I would be able to come back and help him in a couple of days. I would not let him down. I’m sure he’s heard this a million times before. But I was adamant that I would not fail. I gave him a hug as I left and he screamed in pain. I asked him what was wrong and he had massive shoulder pain. Long story short, he was assaulted at night several nights before as people on the streets tried to rob him, looking for drugs. They picked him up and threw him 5 feet from what I believe to be into a wall. Punched him in the face and knocked a tooth loose. I asked him if I could take a look at his shoulder and he let me. It looked dislocated. I told him I would like to help and get him to a doctor if he was willing to come with me. He was willing to do so and left most of his belongings behind, only taking what he needed. Mostly his little dog who is his life and his protector.

After waiting for me for quite some time, we were able to communicate by phone as I was having difficulty finding my car in the massive parking garages of Phoenix. I have a bad sense of direction. Eventually, I made it back to him, loaded up all of his belongings, and I asked him what he would like to do first and how I could help him. We decided getting a couple of slices of pizza and then getting cleaned up prior to going to the emergency room was going to be the plan. We did so and I was able to get him some new clothing, etc., then all showered up. He felt much better. He was still in great pain. We went to the hospital in Scottsdale as it’s closer to my home and I believe to be better quality service. They were fantastic. Turns out he has a broken collarbone. So we will be going to the doctor again in a couple of days to see if he needs surgery.

RBM has it together, believe it or not. He has suffered great loss and trauma in his life, and I believe to be suffering from some form of PTSD, but at the same time is incredibly intelligent, motivated, not using drugs, not drinking alcohol, and one of the most incredibly loving, faith-driven, inspiring individuals I have met in a long time. After we got him fixed up, I was able to get him a hotel for three days. He is settled in nicely with his dog and resting close to my home. I have a great concern for RBM and he is my new friend. Not everybody can be helped, but this individual can and should be. I don’t believe that anybody deserves anything; it has nothing to do with it. But if anybody does deserve something, this human being deserves help, not a handout, a hand. He’s willing to do the work. He just has no ability to do so as the system has failed him. I will be assisting him through all these hurdles he will face. But he is up for the challenge. If we can help him help himself, he is serious about a carpal tunnel syndrome in his hands, but has his own insurance and additional funding that gives him the basic communication needs to just survive.

It is very dangerous on the streets. If I allow him to go back to the streets of Phoenix, he will die. The strong survive and the weak do not. He is weak right now, not mentally but physically. The money that I am attempting to raise will go to pay for long-term stay living for him near my home. Meaning an extended stay motel. Very nice accommodations for the price, laundry, breakfast for free, Wi-Fi. Everything he needs to heal, create a plan with me, and move forward. I’m very excited for this journey. I am new to this app, but we’ll see what I can do about keeping everyone updated on the progress we make together as a team. So I guess this is why I say whatever you can do to help would be much appreciated. I will do this on my own if needed, but it’s always easier to do it with a strong team behind you. Please consider again donating what you can to help. This is how we make change. Action at a very grassroots level. Thank you so much for considering this request. God bless and take care.