You know, it seems that the ones with the least, give the most...
My mother was homeless and traveling with truck drivers while I was in college. She's had paranoid schizophrenia so it was the hardest thing to deal with, especially when you're 17 and you really don't know what to do. Well, when we (my older brother and I) finally convinced her to settle down, we bought her a house in West Virginia to live in, out in the middle of nowhere. She had another homeless friend with her that could help take care of her. (She's had 5 strokes and can hardly walk now. The homeless life really took a toll on her health since she had high blood pressure and wasn't taking medication for 5 years.) So, we gave her caretaker, Wayne, a place to stay/food/car and in return, he would help take care of my mom. My brother and I also visit since we live 2 hours away. Wayne has started to get emphysema, so we have to chop wood and do harder labor type things for him.

Well, as it turns out, Wayne got a night job as a Denny's cook for a bit, while my mom slept, just so he could buy our son all this stuff for Christmas. He has a family, but has lost contact with them (he used to be an alcoholic/drug abuser) and I think he wishes he could find out if he has a grandson/daughter. His eyes just light up when he sees Connor. I think he's afraid he won't be accepted back into their lives now though.
I was just in tears because I know they don't have that much... and he just spoiled him like crazy.
*sniff*

By Truestori on Wednesday, December 22, 2004 - 11:17 am:

Heidi,

It is so sweet to know that this man cares so much. What a wonderful surprise.

By Trisa on Wednesday, December 22, 2004 - 11:17 am:

Wow what a story. I am in tears now.
What a good heart he has. We have so much to be
thankful for and sometimes get so busy we forget.

By Paulas on Wednesday, December 22, 2004 - 12:00 pm:

I am in tears also. I just love the wonderful Christmas spririt stories people have been posting here.

By Pixie on Wednesday, December 22, 2004 - 12:05 pm:

Oh my that was beautiful! I am in tears as well! I love Christmas!

By Palmbchprincess on Wednesday, December 22, 2004 - 12:42 pm:

That really is a sweet story!!

By Jelygu on Wednesday, December 22, 2004 - 02:09 pm:

How wonderful! That is a beautiful Christmas story

By Bea on Wednesday, December 22, 2004 - 04:38 pm:

Maybe you could return a little of his generosity by getting some information from him, and doing an internet search for his family. You could make the first moves for him, and maybe give him the best gift of all.

By Mrsheidi on Wednesday, December 22, 2004 - 06:05 pm:

I've offered to help him find his family and he seemed really resistant for some reason...it made him so nervous. But, I will keep mentioning it...time on earth is too short to hold grudges. Plus, I would like his daughter to see him a better man.

By Insaneusmcwife on Wednesday, December 22, 2004 - 06:50 pm:

Thats a great story.

By Bobbie~moderatr on Thursday, December 23, 2004 - 12:54 am:

I think helping him find his daughter might be a good thing. Even if she doesn't want contact with him. Knowing she is okay and what she has made of her life might settle his guilt a little bit... He sounds like a good man...