Prayers for a vet
On the way home from picking up a pizza, I stopped at a local bank to use the ATM. When I got there, I noticed an older man sitting in a wheel chair, sitting behind the wind-break glass, looking kind of confused. I got of my car to see if he was OK, and found out that his wheel chair was stuck and he couldn't move. So I got his wheel chair unstuck and then, realizing the wheel chair couldn;t get him close enough to the ATM, helped lift him out of the chair.
He had a broken left shoulder and his left leg was in a brace. He was also quite large, so it took a lot of effort to get him standing where, with the aid of a cane, he was able to get to the ATM. As I waited for him to finish using the ATM, a number of other cars pulled up and a long line of people had started to form.
After a number of minutes, he didn't seem to be making much progress in using the ATM so I asked him if I could help him and he said "yes". So with his witnessing, I helped him withdraw $100 from his account. Once he put his money in his wallet, he made it back to his wheel chair. Thinking he was now all set, I proceeded to use the ATM for my own transaction.
As I was leaving, I asked if he was all set only to discover another problem...the battery on his wheel chair was dead. We found an electrical outlet on the outside of the back, but he didn't have a battery charger...which probably would do no good for I would guess that it takes a few hours to charge the battery.
So I waited while he called the VA home where he lived for help. Apparenly they weren't too enthused to hear that he had gotten himself stranded...for it sounded like he had done this before. However, the were going to make arrangements to pick him up with an ambucab. I asked if he was all set and if there was anything else I could do for him and he said that he was all set. So I left him with a "god bless".
As I left, I couldn't feel some sorriness for this man. Here he was, a veteran who had served our country and protected my freedoms, now left ot basically fend for himself in a wheel chair. I couldn't help but wonder if he had children and a wife who cared for him...or if he found himself all alone in the world like so many others unfortunately are.
In the meantime, my kids were just so thrilled to have watched their dad help this man. While there (probably 15-20 minutes) a number of other people stopped by to use teh ATM, but no one offered to help. However, I still felt I could have done more for him. Sp while my kids thought I was some sort of hero, I felt that in the eyes of God, I could have done more for this man.
In any case, please say a prayer for this man...and all others who find themselves alone, trapped, and without a support system. I pray that this man made it home OK. Certainly this man will always be on my mind whenever I return to this ATM.
He had a broken left shoulder and his left leg was in a brace. He was also quite large, so it took a lot of effort to get him standing where, with the aid of a cane, he was able to get to the ATM. As I waited for him to finish using the ATM, a number of other cars pulled up and a long line of people had started to form.
After a number of minutes, he didn't seem to be making much progress in using the ATM so I asked him if I could help him and he said "yes". So with his witnessing, I helped him withdraw $100 from his account. Once he put his money in his wallet, he made it back to his wheel chair. Thinking he was now all set, I proceeded to use the ATM for my own transaction.
As I was leaving, I asked if he was all set only to discover another problem...the battery on his wheel chair was dead. We found an electrical outlet on the outside of the back, but he didn't have a battery charger...which probably would do no good for I would guess that it takes a few hours to charge the battery.
So I waited while he called the VA home where he lived for help. Apparenly they weren't too enthused to hear that he had gotten himself stranded...for it sounded like he had done this before. However, the were going to make arrangements to pick him up with an ambucab. I asked if he was all set and if there was anything else I could do for him and he said that he was all set. So I left him with a "god bless".
As I left, I couldn't feel some sorriness for this man. Here he was, a veteran who had served our country and protected my freedoms, now left ot basically fend for himself in a wheel chair. I couldn't help but wonder if he had children and a wife who cared for him...or if he found himself all alone in the world like so many others unfortunately are.
In the meantime, my kids were just so thrilled to have watched their dad help this man. While there (probably 15-20 minutes) a number of other people stopped by to use teh ATM, but no one offered to help. However, I still felt I could have done more for him. Sp while my kids thought I was some sort of hero, I felt that in the eyes of God, I could have done more for this man.
In any case, please say a prayer for this man...and all others who find themselves alone, trapped, and without a support system. I pray that this man made it home OK. Certainly this man will always be on my mind whenever I return to this ATM.
Replies
Your story really touched me. I am veteran as well (US Army, 82nd Airborne Division) and am currently an in-patient at a veteran\'s facility in Oregon.
Sometimes I do feel terribly lonely , my wife died not so long ago, so I know what this Vet may feel. So I want to say \"Thank you\" for your thoughtfulness and compassion. It can mean the world to us.
And your children are right...You are, indeed, a hero.
John
You are a hero to me too, John. I think you were an AWESOME example to your kids!!! And a major blessing to that man.
You inspired me!
Your a true inspiration my friend. x
what a touching story, John you too are a beautiful person who has such a wonderful heart. God knew you were close by when he got into trouble and he knew that the man would be well taken care of that day. Your an inspiration to all and I hope that everyone watching that day also stopped to think about how they can help others when the need arises. YOu did so much for him, more than someone else might have, dont think you could have done more. You also taught your children how special it is to take care of one another, help those in need, to them you are and always will be their hero. angel hugs xxxxx
What a wonderful story. It amazes me how so many people will ignore someone in need. By helping others you help yourself! God Bless,Katie