I am fortunate

HB27

I just want to remind some of us how fortunate we are.
I was pissed off about a forum friend that ripped me off on some audio gear I let him borrow and "buy on time". I let it eat at me for a while until yesterday.
I ran into him across town and saw how rough and tough a time he was having just "surviving" life.
Putting it all in perspective I have to remind myself how fortunate it is that I can buy a few new components for my system IF I so desire.
My friend has had to sell ALL he owned just to eat and put a little gas in his vehicle looking for a job.
After seeing him yesterday my anger turned to compassion. I'm glad it's not me "on the street" with my family.
I gave him the money in my pocket, told him to come by and pick up a few things he could sell and take what he needed. I have extra "luxuries" like soap, toilet paper, food, etc I won't miss and I'm able to replace without a second thought.
I have more than I need and he has nothing left.
I'm not balancing the scales out now. It's down to reality for me watching a friend struggle.
Times are tough. I'm fortunate and feel guilty I can't and didn't do more to help.
It's just audio stuff. It's not like it's important to me.
I am fortunate. It could have been me instead of him.

Toolfan66

Harry,

you put me at a loss for words.

Bless you and yours,
Larry.

mole'

its good to know that some people still care.

HB27

I haven't done anything or even close to enough. I can do better.
I'm a cold hearted **** at times and live in my own little world too much. Yesterday the blinders came off. I feel selfish and greedy and ashamed at my anger.

Sherardp

No doubt it could be any of us at any time. Bless u for being there for friend bro.

Toolfan66

Your not alone I can be the same way.. Being a cold heated **** is my job on some days..

HB27 wrote: »

I haven't done anything or even close to enough. I can do better.
I'm a cold hearted **** at times and live in my own little world too much. Yesterday the blinders came off. I feel selfish and greedy and ashamed at my anger.

thsmith

HB27 wrote: »

I haven't done anything or even close to enough. I can do better.
I'm a cold hearted **** at times and live in my own little world too much. Yesterday the blinders came off. I feel selfish and greedy and ashamed at my anger.

HB, you sound like a man with heart. Don't beat yourself up. It is easy to loose site of what is important but you found it and are standing up about it. Can't ask for more than that.

Thanks for sharing and it serves as a reminder for us all.

wutadumsn23

Way to go man, 1st class all the way here!!

-Jeff

TECHNOKID

HB27 wrote: »

I haven't done anything or even close to enough. I can do better.
I'm a cold hearted **** at times and live in my own little world too much. Yesterday the blinders came off. I feel selfish and greedy and ashamed at my anger.

Quite the opposite, I find you are a darn good man. Thanks for reminding us of how blessed we are and that we should take the time to be good samaritans everyonce in a while.

God bless!
TK

texas ed

doing good things like you did comes back around.you just put one foot inside the pearly gates.....:D

george daniel

I feel like an **** after reading that Harry-- whew,, God bless all of ya'll

heiney9

I know the person you speak of and I'm really sorry he has had it so rough. I too like you Harry feel very fortunate to be able to still enjoy this hobby to the level I do. I have been unempolyed in the past a few times but never close to living on the street or struggling to put food on the table.

These are tough times for a lot of people and I thank you for bringing this up so we can all reflect a little bit on how good we have it, even if things are a bit tight now and then. If you see him again tell him we are all praying for him and his family. I know you weren't the only one to feel betrayed and angry with this individual but it seems he truly is just trying to survive.

God bless

H9

indyhawg

Great reminder of how fortunate we all are, Harry. You did a great thing.

polkatese

heiney9 wrote: »

I know the person you speak of and I'm really sorry he has had it so rough. I too like you Harry feel very fortunate to be able to still enjoy this hobby to the level I do. I have been unempolyed in the past a few times but never close to living on the street or struggling to put food on the table.

These are tough times for a lot of people and I thank you for bringing this up so we can all reflect a little bit on how good we have it, even if things are a bit tight now and then. If you see him again tell him we are all praying for him and his family. I know you weren't the only one to feel betrayed and angry with this individual but it seems he truly is just trying to survive.

God bless

H9

Amen!

Thank you for sharing and reminding us to stop and think about others.

if this is a CP member, could we do something to help?

fishbones

Sometimes we all need a wake-up-call to realize how good we actually have it.

The difference between a **** and a good person is the willingness to be humbled, and to give to another human being in need, without expecting anything in return.....just like you did.

Good job, don't sell yourself short.

mrbigbluelight

HB27 wrote: »

Yesterday the blinders came off. I feel selfish and greedy and ashamed at my anger.

Don't feel greedy or ashamed; recognize that you were given a gift yesterday, and you chose to accept it.
Probably didn't look like a gift at first ..... but it was.


Times are tough out there, and they're going to get tougher, IMO. That's not necessarily a bad thing.

TECHNOKID

if this is a CP member, could we do something to help?

+1 on that question!

seeclear

I'm IN!!!!!! What kind of soap is it? Toilet Paper?







j/k. Good on ya, Harry.

opus

I'm in to help the polkie and his family.

indyhawg

Count me in as well.

jerryj12

Harry ! Count me in. Let me know if I can help.

gimpod

HB27 wrote: »

I haven't done anything or even close to enough. I can do better.
I'm a cold hearted **** at times and live in my own little world too much. Yesterday the blinders came off. I feel selfish and greedy and ashamed at my anger.

We all have a tendency to live in our own little worlds but you looked out saw a problem and decided to do something to help. Guess what that makes you a GOOD person. Way to go.

joeparaski

Yes we can feel bad for someone who is down and out but you have to consider "how" he got to that point also. If it was a case of losing his job, or an illness that required everything he had to help him, then fine. But if the guy lost everything because he is a gambler or hooked on drugs then I have no pity for him.

Joe

heiney9

In the individuals case I'm thinking of it was a combo of lost job and medical bills.

H9

headrott

HB27 wrote: »

I just want to remind some of us how fortunate we are.
I was pissed off about a forum friend that ripped me off on some audio gear I let him borrow and "buy on time". I let it eat at me for a while until yesterday.
I ran into him across town and saw how rough and tough a time he was having just "surviving" life.
Putting it all in perspective I have to remind myself how fortunate it is that I can buy a few new components for my system IF I so desire.
My friend has had to sell ALL he owned just to eat and put a little gas in his vehicle looking for a job.
After seeing him yesterday my anger turned to compassion. I'm glad it's not me "on the street" with my family.
I gave him the money in my pocket, told him to come by and pick up a few things he could sell and take what he needed. I have extra "luxuries" like soap, toilet paper, food, etc I won't miss and I'm able to replace without a second thought.
I have more than I need and he has nothing left.
I'm not balancing the scales out now. It's down to reality for me watching a friend struggle.
Times are tough. I'm fortunate and feel guilty I can't and didn't do more to help.
It's just audio stuff. It's not like it's important to me.
I am fortunate. It could have been me instead of him.

You should not feel guilty for helping a friend, but feeling like you needed to help him more. What you did was very honorable and I'm sure your friend appreciated it very much.

I agree with and like your statement about it just being audio equipment, and it's not important to you. I would say the same thing. I absolutely enjoy my audio equipment and use it very regularly. But, I could and would live without it without a second thought or remorse about losing it. Music, and audio equipment (IMO) are tools to be used and enjoyed and can allow you to gain some understanding and discipline. I enjoy them, but could live without them. We are blessed (fortunate).

This was a great post you made Harry, thank you for sharing it.

Greg

cincycat13

I am currently looking for work as well, and consider myself fortunate every morning when I get to play with my boys. It's unfortunate that it sometimes takes tragedy to make us remember what is really important. The following link was the brother of my best man so he is a pretty good friend to say the least...and I knew Chris as well. Enjoy every minute you have.

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/07/03/son-charged-with-murder-in-dads-beating.html

WilliamM2

cincycat13 wrote: »

I am currently looking for work as well, and consider myself fortunate every morning when I get to play with my boys. It's unfortunate that it sometimes takes tragedy to make us remember what is really important. The following link was the brother of my best man so he is a pretty good friend to say the least...and I knew Chris as well. Enjoy every minute you have.

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/07/03/son-charged-with-murder-in-dads-beating.html

We should all feel fortunate that we aren't killed by our children? Not sure how that relates to this thread in any way...

cincycat13

I was not referring to the method...just more that every day is precious and it is what you make of it. As I read the OP to say, he was letting a situation eat at him...and he let it go and is happier for it. Enjoy every day...time spent angry is time you don't get to enjoy...time can be short so I applaud him for taking some time to be thankful...sorry if I took a derail.

indyhawg

Cincycat- I am absolutely speechless after reading that story.

hearingimpared

God Bless you Harry . . . that really hit home with me.

engtaz

Yes times are that way now. I tell my kids constantly that a lot of people are a paycheck away from homeless.