Help David Rebuild His Life

This afternoon around 2pm I was heading home and planned on stopping by a fast food joint to grab a burger. I was “starving” and hadn’t eaten all day. I approached an intersection and noticed a guy sitting next to it with a sign, asking most likely for money. When I noticed him I shook my head, like most people do. But as I came to a stop I was able to read his sign which read “Visions of a burger.” I thought to myself: “A. That’s hilarious. And B. Me too!,” and chuckled to myself.

I looked away, thought about it for a second and then looked back at him. “Screw it, I’m buying him a burger,” I said to myself. Against my better judgement, I rolled down my window and told him to hop in and I’d buy him a burger. He was hesitant because he thought if he left, all of his stuff would be robbed from him. So I told him I understood and said I’d be right back.

To be honest, I am a police officer and have been for some time. Never would I ever in a million years advise ANYONE to do what I was doing but for some reason, I knew this situation was necessary. I was just going to buy him a burger and have lunch with him.

I took off and stopped at a burger joint and grabbed us each a bacon cheeseburger meal, returning a few minutes later.

He saw me coming and lit up with a smile and approached my truck. I motioned for him to hop in the passenger seat and he obliged. It was hot outside. And I had already hit the cooled leather seat option for his seat. He hopped in and immediately thanked me in disbelief.

David and I then had lunch together and talked about life, mistakes we’ve made and goals for the future. David told me about how his hard times have lead to this and pointed out the steel building he had been sleeping behind for the last few days. He told me about how he used to have a good job in the oil field in Wyoming, he had a house, a family, everything he needed. Then he lost his job. Then got a divorce. Lost his family and began to not care about anything anymore. Got into drugs, alcohol, all the above. But he also told me that the reason he is in the situation he is now in is because of him and nobody else. His decisions. His mistakes. It’s not often people, especially in his position, own their poor choices or take responsibility for what has happened. This guy seemed different.

He said he has been working day labor jobs but is having a hard time landing a steady job without a place to live or even keep his belongings safe (a bicycle, some clothes and various items.) We talked about all of the odd jobs he’s had and his skills. I asked him if someone were to walk up to him and ask him what he would need to get back on his feet and give him what he needed to do so, what it would take. He said “Oh I don’t know, maybe $1,000. I need a steady place to stay awhile, some clean clothes, and fresh shave and haircut.” He talked about the difficultly of constantly having to tote around all of his stuff to odd jobs, worrying about somebody taking it from him. If he had a steady place to stay and call home for a week or two, it would make it easier to land a good job. Trust me, the thought crossed my mind of bringing him shopping and getting a fresh new do. But I didn’t have time.

I did, however, reach out to a friend of mine who owns a contracting company. We FaceTimed, and I introduced David to him. We talked about any potential work David could do and agreed to reconnect after the weekend. (It’s Saturday on Labor Day weekend.)

When David heard us talking and discussing how we need to do something to get him back on his feet, he starting crying and said “Nobody has ever done something like this for me.” He couldn’t believe what was going on.

I just told him that sometimes people need a hand and I’m happy to try to help. David didn’t ask for any of this. He was just hungry for a burger and so was I. He didn’t ask for any money. He didn’t ask for a ride. We shared a lunch together and had a conversation. Two strangers, treating each other with respect and dignity. He was happy just be treated like a human being. We all take for granted how lucky we are, how good we have it and aren’t afraid to complain about it. Some people would do anything just to have it half as good as we do….

I decided to give David my phone number and told him to call me next week. He doesn’t have a phone but said he would make sure to give me a call.

I would really like to surprise him with a renewed jumpstart on getting his life back. Instead of giving him a bunch of cash, I would like to be able to secure a place for him to live for a month or so, get him a phone, some new clothes and supplies, a haircut, and some basics. After all of that, some extra money would be a bonus. And I could really use your help. Is this crazy? Absolutely! But why not give him a shot?

Thanks for reading!