I talked to our new employee today...Man it was difficult

[rustydog]

I told him that I knew he was looking for a permanent to stay and he was "staying with friends". I told him my wife and I had 3 extra bedrooms and a crib in one of them and if they feel they are wearing out the welcome of friends, they could stay at my house while they house search and told him we know the difficulty because we are searching too.

He looked a bit embarrassed, but said, "I don't know where we will stay tomorrow night, thanks." I also told him a coworker who is also a supervisor has offered his house which is blocks away instead of miles away. I assured him the coworker, and I know of his perceived difficulty and no one else needs to know unless he wants to tell them. He thanked me saying he was embarrassed about being homeless, but wanted this chance to improve his family's life.

We began a patrol of the campus. I apologized for the gas odor and told him I had gotten a can of gas and gave some to a stranded motorist the other day and had accidentally spilled some in the patrol vehicle causing the stench. His eyes widened and he asked: "That was you?". I told him yes, and explained how I came to check on his wife and baby after getting a call from a tenant and came to believe he may need some assistance.

I told him there are millions of people in America who are trying to do right, trying to improve their lives and are just going through a rough time, like he appears to be doing right now and to try not to be embarrassed because he is only trying to better his life and we want to help him on the right path.

The other coworker invited them over for spaghetti dinner and a chance to see the house and decide on staying there or with me and the wife. I feel better for him tonight.

[Fumesucker]

1. K&R

[barbtries]

2. thank you so much

for following through, and for helping this family! :hug:

[Scuba]

3. You rock, Rusty!!

[drm604]

4. You sir, are a saint.

:applause::yourock::woohoo:

[pennylane100]

5. If the world was full of people like you

we would be living in paradise. The family is very lucky they met you.

[rustydog]

7. I think we are lucky we hired him

[Kaleko]

15. Yes, that's your soul out there

in the form of a family you're helping.

Many more good things will come from that, guaranteed.

[ArchTeryx]

44. You quite probably saved the man's life.

N/T

[Th1onein]

62. The world IS full of people like him. They just don't VOTE as often as they should.

If they would, we would win.

Right now.

Later, we won't. It will be too late then.

[truedelphi]

107. Uh when they do vote, the vote is "switched." Or not recorded.

Four hundred thousand complaints were made to various voting Watchdog groups in Nov 2004 Bush/Kerry election cycle.

Every single complaint regarding the Presidential election was in terms of the person voting Democratic seeing their vote switched, or not being allowed to vote. Not one person said their vote for George W was interferred with.

What does that tell you!

[Th1onein]

118. I understand what you're saying.

But when Dems vote, Dems win. They can only change the votes in a minority of places. They can swing an election if it's close enough, but there's not shit they can do if it's not.

[faithnotgreed]

6. beautiful

[Cal Carpenter]

8. Thanks for the followup

Well done, sir :)

[Motown_Johnny]

13. +1

[MinneapolisMatt]

9. Thanks for the update.

This will come back to you positively 10000 times over. You're a good man.

[TBF]

10. K&R nt

[ellisonz]

11. Good people.

"Each time a man stands up for an ideal or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance. - RFK

[MadMaddie]

12. Thanks to you and your coworker for being there for him and his family

[ladyVet]

14. you guys rock.

That is all.

Oh, and ellisonz, fantastic quote from the man, RFK. :thumbsup:

[RainDog]

16. it's hard to accept such kindnesses

because so many choose to view hardship as something others "deserve." This sort of hateful right-wing kicking of people when they're down needs to stop. It's shameful for those who have not had hardships to beat up on people when they're vulnerable.

It's also wonderful, again, to see people making a difference in spite of the meanness that passes for "values" among some of us.

[Kali]

17. I don't know you or the back story here

but this really made my day. Thankyou for posting it but even more, thankyou for helping.

[lunatica]

20. Here is his earlier OP on this

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x2226639

[Kali]

39. thanks!

[renate]

18. thank you for the update

And for your warm heart. :loveya:

[lunatica]

19. It goes down much easier for them when you simply say they can pass the

good deed onto someone who needs help in their future. Pay it forward if you will. Every time I've done something to help people they try to pay me. I always decline and say, "I've been helped when I needed it. Just help someone in the future who you can help." They always relax and agree that they can do that and they accept the help gratefully.

This stuff changes lives.

You may have just made a friend for life.

[Tx4obama]

21. Thank you for posting an update.

And thank you for your caring actions.

[Rhiannon12866]

22. K&R and thanks so much for the update!

You really are the best... :yourock:

[KT2000]

23. the way you did this

was just perfect. My best to you and yours.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

24. My dear rustydog...

You did it just right! He feels as though he's a failure as a husband and father because of the situation they're in...

But of course he's not.

Kudos to you and your wife, and your boss!

:yourock:

[wellstone dem]

25. Thank you for the update

I still love you.

[Foolacious]

26. I'm a staunch atheist...

but God bless you, rustydog. God bless you and yours.

[louslobbs]

27. This world will transform for the better with more people like you in it Rustydog. Thank you.

Lou

[libinnyandia]

28. Good people who do good things-

if everybody were like you then the GOP view of limited governmnet would be valid. It is a combination of good works by private citizens and the good done by a good government that leads to a good society. If the 1%ers would spend their money to help society, then higher taxes would not be necessary. But for every generous billionaire there are many, like the Koch Brothers who value money more that humanity.

[Desertrose]

29. Big hugs to you Rustydog...

You sir, have a huge heart.

Good for you...and thankyou!

:hug:

[badhair77]

30. What goes around comes around. Good for you, rustydog.

Plus, he'll probably help someone else when he gets on his feet.

This warms my heart. What a great new start for him and his family.

[DeSwiss]

31. K&R n/t

[Remember Me]

32. You will be richly rewarded for your kindness and generosity

and well-deservedly so.

The rest of us have been blessed and uplifted as well, just to have the privilege of reading about it.

[badtoworse]

33. You're a mensch!!

[orbitalman]

34. Thank you for the update. Inspiring. n/t

[sabrina 1]

35. Thank you for the update.

It sounds like you handled it beautifully. And so did he.

[firehorse]

36. Your story inspired me to help out a neighbor, thanks.

[kag]

37. Thank you for this.

I read your first posting, and was hoping that the family would be okay. It sounds like, thanks to you, they are.

I just made the mistake of watching that video of the "judge" who was beating his teenaged daughter, and I was feeling pretty lousy about humanity. This makes me feel better. People like you warm my heart, so thanks for what you've done, and thanks for following up.

You totally rock.

:fistbump:

[annabanana]

38. Community is nurtured by simply human caring.

What you have done strengthens the whole human family.

[Zoeisright]

40. You really are an angel.

Bless you.

[Douglas Carpenter]

41. you are doing what a Christian should do, what a Buddhist should do, what a Muslim should do, what a

Jew should do and for that matter what a socialist or a communist should do, I have no idea if you subscribe to any belief system - but you are following the right of all the great belief systems. This is what people everywhere should do. But so many of us are so wrapped up in our own little worlds - we so easily forget what we should do

[rustydog]

42. I might, stress might, have found a place for him to rent!

Only 800.00 a month, not bad for north of Woodinville, will tell him about it tomorrow and see if he is interested. a 3 bdrm manufactured home in a small court is becoming available.

[1StrongBlackMan]

43. I've been following your post ...

Because it gives me faith in the kindness of mankind.

But I can't help thinking that there is an mirror site somewhere on the net with the exact opposite theme ... The participants are gloating over the misfortune of a young family trying to make it. The participants are revivaling in all the obstacles that they were able to throw in their path.

I'm so glad that this is not that site.

[rustydog]

45. Remember the debate where the crowd applauded and yelled

"let him die" when asked about the hypothetical male unemployed and no insurance and sick....
The GOP is that bizarre animal.

[hue]

78. the same personality profile hallmarked by lack of empathy n/t

[JustAnotherGen]

46. There are angels among us . . .

And Santa Claus exists . . . Don't ever let anyone tell you differently.

[lonestarnot]

47. You are the best rustydog!

:hug:

[rustydog]

48. I just got a text from my coworker, after inviting the new guy to spaghetti dinner

our new coworker is spending the night at his house. Damn, there are some good people around here.
Chris and I butt heads idealogically quite often, but tonight, Chris, you ROCK!

[Mimosa]

49. K&R

Rustydog, you are an old-fashioned good person. :)

[Marie Marie]

50. I think that I have just added "WWRD?"

(what would Rusty do?) to my moral compass. You are a kind and compassionate man.

[Tumbulu]

51. Thank you Rusty, thank you coworker, thank good people

all around. You know what- there are more good people than bad- way more.

Thank you for posting all of these updates.

[Towlie]

52. I also did something nice for someone recently, but I didn't tell anyone. I just kept it to myself.

Somehow, I don't feel nearly as good about being generous to people in need if I then brag about it to everyone and then soak up all the praise.

It's sort of like Matthew 6:5, where Jesus says "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full."

Jesus regarded praying as a "good" act, but implied that it lost sincerity if you did it just to impress other people. Although I don't believe praying accomplishes anything at all since there's no invisible magic sky fairy listening, I do believe that keeping your good deeds to yourself elevates you to a more advanced level of morality that exceeds the teaching of any religion. It's just one example of how people who ask "how can you be good without God" should be answered with "How can you be good with your religion holding you back?"

[Thav]

56. Don't forget Matthew 6:2 either

Which says the same thing, only about giving. To me that section says to give without want of fame or reward. Then you will be blessed.

[sheldon]

64. Aren't you special.

I don't think anyone's bragging.... it's a nice story, and sharing it only makes it better.
Shove a bunch of jesus BS, too. Base your life on reality, not fairy tales, and invisible friends.

[flor-de-jasmim]

69. Bragging? Or passing on a GREAT IDEA? For me, it's the latter.

[catbyte]

86. My, aren't we self-righteous, Towlie? It's not attractive.

[sibelian]

99. Common decency and the tales of it's value are rare these days.

OP inspires others.

[JuniperLea]

110. I think seeing others be generous...

Sparks the same action in others.

Jesus never said to hide your generosity under a bushell... he didn't tell his disciples to hide their actions whilst passing out fishes and loaves... praying and doing good deeds are different actions. Sure, some gloat... but that shouldn't stop someone from doing the right thing.

[rustydog]

53. I want to thank all of you guys, all I intended to do was vent because of

the predicament I thought this person was in and how powerless I felt.

In my line of work, we kick out homeless people regularly when the weather turns bad. I try to get them to shelters, but when it is someone you just hired, do you apologize and remind them to be to work on time tomorrow?

"Am I my brother's keeper?" Most Christian conservatives seem to think the answer is NO.

[Le Taz Hot]

70. For those of us who understand,

no explanation is needed, for those who CHOOSE not to understand, no explanation will suffice. You, your wife, and your boss did something good for 3 other humand beings. For those who criticize you telling your story (which a lot of us enjoyed, by the way), they also will get back what they send out into the cosmos.

[Pacifist Patriot]

72. I appreciate the story.

I like the reminder that decent people still exist. I wouldn't worry about critics. These days my Ignore list is growing by leaps and bounds. Sanctimony seems to be finding a place right next to the more hateful jerks in my Ignore queue. My life's too short to be exposed to either of them when I don't have to be.

[badhair77]

94. rustydog, I understood and appreciated your story.

I went to bed last night with a good feeling, thinking there are good people out there helping those in need. Keep us updated.

[LittleGirl]

54. you gave me a good cry this morning

and I want to thank you for that. Generous acts of kindness do that to me and I don't think that is a bad thing. You keep my hope for this country and I thank you for that. I happen to read so much right wing "I've got mine, you get yours" b.s. that it saddens me. So for me to read your story gave me tears. And they were tears of joy.

I'm not a greedy person, but I wanted to buy a Power ball ticket today, not to make my life easier or more comfortable, but so that I could help people that are struggling. Knowing my horrible luck, I drove past that gas station that sells them because I felt it was hopeless for me to win anything.

Thank you for making my day even if it caused a water works reaction from me.

To become numb to other humans means we have no future.

[Ken Burch]

55. Thanks for doing what you've done for these people

And it's a damn shame that this system we have forces people like us to be the ones to do it...when it could be designed to make sure that nobody ends up in this situation in the first place.

It's like the quote from the Brazilian liberation theologian Dom Helder Camera:

"When I fed the poor, they called me a saint.
When I asked why the poor had no food,
THEY CALLED ME A COMMUNIST".

[gateley]

57. You handled it beautifully, Rusty! And as someone responded

on your first post, it's not HIM that failed, it's the SYSTEM. We're all just THIS CLOSE to having something similar happen to us.

I'm so glad he has this job, and so glad he has such wonderful co-workers, soon to become true friends!

:pals:

[akbacchus_BC]

58. Rusty, you did good from day one and you are the kind of people,

wife and boss included who make America what it is and the humanity is unbelievable. Wish we could donate but I know this is not the place.

You did good my friend, kudos to you and your wife and boss!

Even here in BC, we see people sleeping on the streets and I too try my best to help through Union Gospel Mission. It breaks my heart to see people bundle up on the side walk or doorways trying to keep warm.

One bye one, we are making a difference!

Best regards

[Raksha]

59. K & R - thank you for your kindness and humanity. n/t

[chill_wind]

60. Just incredibly kind and caring of you.

What a heart-warming story. K & R.

[pnwest]

61. Thanks for following up with us, i was happy to see this headline at the top

[Granny M]

63. +1 nt

[AllyCat]

65. I am cheered beyond words to read this. Thank you!!

[radhika]

66. All I can say is: You are Awesome - a great and loving soul n/t

[defendandprotect]

67. Because of some terrific people, at least one family has a few less worries -- !!

Bless you all -- !!


:hug:

[MissDeeds]

68. Thanks for sharing this with us, Rusty

The efforts of so many to help this young family warms the soul and gives us hope. Please keep us posted on their progress.

:grouphug:

[BB1]

71. This story is getting

better and better. Wow.

[sarge43]

73. You are a candle in the dark, rustydog

Blessed be.

[mac56]

74. You made my day. Thank you.

:thumbsup:

[mod mom]

75. You made me cry. Your kindness is to be commended.

[OneGrassRoot]

76. Once again, posting through tears. I'm so grateful. K&R n/t

[hue]

77. Thanks for updating us! Who knows how many ripples of kindness &

love will be generated with Your & Your wife & coworker's actions! Thanks so much for Your humanity!! It really affects us all!

[ProfessorGAC]

79. Very Cool of You

Nice job.
GAC

[a2liberal]

80. K&R (n/t)

[BootinUp]

81. You are so right about how so many are struggling

thanks for sharing the story rustydog.

[spooky3]

82. You and your family and friends are wonderful. Thanks for sharing this story.

This new family will remember your kindness the rest of their lives.

[laylah]

83. You are an Angel, Rusty. TY! nt

[4_TN_TITANS]

84. That's what being a Liberal is all about....

But, from experience, I'd suggest you lay down some rules and a tentative limit to the stay, based on how long it will take for them to stash away enough cash for a place. That will provide incentive to save for a deadline.

My wife gets on to me for all the hitch-hikers I've picked up over the years. None of them have ever been as big and scary as me tho. ;-)

[nradisic]

85. That's what America is all about...

You are a good man...Kudos. In tough times we need each other. Help is not that hard to offer to someone who is trying to get back up on their feet.

[Beavker]

87. If only our MSM would tell these stories.

To the Tea Bag right, everyone that is in trouble right now either deserved it, or is lazy.

They are sociopaths that lack not only compassion but the simple concept that they to could POSSIBLY someday be in their shoes. Forming a society is what we did to try to avert these things is it not? Yet the right is inexplicably trying to destroy that. Somolia here we come.

My wife and I both have decent jobs, etc. We both have tons of family that would take us and our toddler in if we had no where else to go. But...I get it. I know it's not that way for others, and that a few bad events and we're in the same boat.

Good for you guys and much luck to the family. I hope it all ends up well despite the Tea Bag rights view from their high horses.

[Colonel Schwartz]

88. There are many paths in this life,

but the one that matters most is that of a true human being. I see you on this path and it's good to see. Way to go, rusty.

[midnight]

89. We need more people like you rusty dog.... Thank you for caring...

[thereismore]

90. Thank you rusty! nt

[drmeow]

91. Your post made me cry n/t

[bertman]

92. Thank yo for the update. REC. nt

[Jakes Progress]

93. You sir, are a Democrat. A real one.

[Chorophyll]

95. Good going.

And thanks for the update. I thought about this guy a lot yesterday.

[Plucketeer]

96. VERY cool!

High marks for your kindness.

[xxqqqzme]

97. I am in awe.

Yesterday, the opening chapter broke my heart. The combined concern and careful attention brought me to tears. Today you lift us all (well most of us anyway) a little higher. With the state of the US economy being what it is, there are many young struggling families. I can only hope they find the care and concern you have shown this family.

There is a ray of light emanating from a site in Washington. I do believe it is coming from your house.

[BlueIris]

98. Double awwww for today.

Glad to know people are working to keep that man and his wife and kid safe.

[Garion_55]

100. good story. got one myself

ive always been pretty much broke my whole life. 10-20k a year earnings on average. Ive lived on the streets. ive stolen to survive.

first time in my life i have a good job that i love, making more money than my lifestyle requires me to spend, im traveling, buying things frivolously, things i never got to do growing up. so im comfortable for the first time ever. but i've always been pretty selfish too growing up.

we had a fire here locally in an apartment complex and one of the ladies ran around knocking on peoples doors getting them out literally saving peoples lives.

she was the only one of the victims who lost everything in the fire. everyone else had some minor damage. i heard she was put up in a motel by redcross and a friend was asking for donations for them. thinking about how messed up a universe this is that the hero of the fire lost everthing i made a physical conscious decision to help out someone who was in greater need than me.

so i went down to the store and bought like 60 bucks worth of random food for her and her young daughter and gave it to my friend to give to her. id never done anything like that before.

where i thought i was going to feel glad and happy that i was helping out a stranger, and i did to a point, i felt kinda down like maybe thats not enough and that maybe i should be thinking about doing more to return some positive energy back to the world. 60 bucks just seems petty compared to the enormous problems people are facing in this country

[rustydog]

102. You made me tear up a bit! That 60.00 dollars was llike a million

Your generosity is very heartwarming. thanks for sharing with us.

[JuniperLea]

108. You may have inspired someone to do the same...

Yours could easily be a gift that keeps on giving:)

When others see good deeds, they are given the opportunity to do the same.

Good for you... awesome!

[myrna minx]

109. Your gift helped a family when they were in the most need.

You did a wonderful thing. :hug:

[Occupy_2012]

116. good story. got one myself

Garion_55, I lost everything when I was a kid myself. Mom ended up renting an apartment that was bare to the walls. Kind neighbors gave us old towels, sheets, blankets, extra silverware, some mismatched dishes and camp cots so we had beds to sleep in. Eventually we were able to return it all, but they were lifesavers. It was the poorest neighbors too that helped. Didn't cost them a dime, but we were provided for and I'll never forget their kindness. We bought cheap patio chairs and a travel poster or two to furnish the living room, which stayed like that for several years. We bought beds and other neccessities first instead.

I learned shedding old possessions and starting over isn't bad, it's a new start. Due to the kind way that experience started out, it wiped away the sadness of losing everything and gave us hope and encouragement to start over. That was priceless.

Best wishes to the lady who lost everything in the fire. I hope things are looking up for her.

[Thumper79]

101. I'm impressed. You are someone who walks the walk, not just talk the talk.

[hamsterjill]

103. I love the way you kept his dignity intact!

Thank you for what you did - ALL of it!

[Vinca]

104. You are such a good person . . . really. You handled that so well.

[GeorgeGist]

105. Well done ...

you're a good man rustydog.

[FedUp_Queer]

106. I could never imagine hearing a story like this from a teabagger.

Rather, it would have been: "This guy needs to pull himself by his boot straps just like Jesus did back in the days of early America when we had no capital gains tax."

[Still Blue in PDX]

114. Maybe, maybe not.

I know a teabagger who is actually quite nice and is what one might even call a "good Christian." However, being a teabagger, she is so incredibly stupid that she doesn't realize that the teabagger movement is everything she is not.

Crazy.

[Old Troop]

111. You are a fine human being!

[lsewpershad]

112. Thank you

on his behalf. This is how human beings should behave.

[Still Blue in PDX]

113. The kindness of you and your other coworker brings me to tears.

My heart is so full right now.

I can't think of anything to say except God/dess or the Universe or karma or whatever you find inoffensive bless you the way you have blessed that family.

:yourock:

[minavasht]

115. disregard

[MindandSoul]

117. Thank you! You're the REAL America that I love!