Pass It On

With all of the ugliness that seems to seep through the radio, television, and computer these days, it is quite refreshing and actually rather unexpected to experience genuine generosity from others. As many of you already know, Megan and I just moved into a new apartment. "New" is a relative word in this case. Although we got a steal on this two bed, two bath only 20 minutes from Megan's school, we definitely got what we paid for. So, $560 a month may get you 1000 sq. feet in Fort Worth, but it won't get you watered or trimmed grounds, rust-free railings and stairs, a dry guest bathroom, a working kitchen fan, door knobs that are bolted to the closet door, a microwave, an A/C that blows cold air, or an apartment that doesn't smell funny.
Like I said, you get what you pay for. However, despite the many imperfections, its already feeling quite warm and cozy (although that may have something to do with the 110 degree heat....), and no problem is too large for some super glue, a fan, a little Frebreeze, a couple of work orders, and some tunnel vision before walking in the door.
So, back to the kindness of others. Some of you may not believe this, because I certainly didn't and I was there. While looking for a mattress, Megan came a across a free King that someone was offering on Craigslist. "Impossible," I thought. There must be a catch. So when I made the 90 minute drive to Terrell, Texas. After 12 hours on the job I arrived expecting to be disappointed. Rats, roaches, bed bugs, blood and urine stains? Something must be wrong with this thing, otherwise, why would someone just give it away?
Megan had emailed the owners several times and they seemed like alright people. But, I was ready to scream bloody murder should our nighttime rendezvous in the Walmart parking lot turn into a terrifying story of human trafficking. However, to y delight and relief, Scott and Dana were two of the friendliest Texans you will ever meet. And the grime covered, dump mattress I expected to find turned out to be as amazingly stain free as its previous owners. Scott even helped this writer with his bunny-ear knots and basically tied the whole thing to my roof as I pulled some rope around and held stuff. Wishing I had bee a boy-scout. That's ok, I can kick a little ball REALLY far. Useful skill, that is.
I drove our soft, yet firm, prize back to Fort Worth, refusing to drive a mile above the speed limit for the first time in my life. Fifty feels like ludicrous speed when your windows are down and a king size mattress is flapping on your roof like giant Pterodactyl wings.
As if the day were not filled with enough surprises, while we were unloading our booty, our neighbors were walking/pooping their dogs. The mother-daughter pair knew we were moving out soon and asked if we could use a sofa. "Um....yeah." Daughter lets me into their place and reveals two, spotless leather coaches. "We were going to sell them on Craigslist for $500," she says. Ouch...good, but way above our budget of 10 bucks..."But if you can't afford that, we'll just give them to you." What?! I muster a "Sure, that would be awesome." Followed by several by several thank-you's. I nearly kow-towed at her feet stepping out the door.
That day reaffirmed my faith in humanity. I know it's a corny sentiment, often shared by people who watch someone sacrifice their life or limb for others. but, acts of selfless kindness and generosity, like the two I witnessed/experienced on the same day, show me that despite the ugliness we may often feel rules this wonderful world, people are the force with the ability to change lives.