Sunday, July 29, 2007

Roadside Assistance 2.0

So... there I was, leaving the Chinese restaurant, next to Trader Joe's. I was in civilian clothes, and I wasn't driving a police car (I had taken Mrs GF and Soccergirl to the airport that morning), when I hear this pleasant female voice with a pronounced Scottish burr saying to me,: "Excuse me,..." I turned to see a thirty-ish woman and an older gent, looking at me with worried eyes. "... Do you you have a set of jumper leads (cables) for me wee car?" Their battery was dead.

Turns out, this young woman, who has lived in the U.S. for ten years, had just recently had her second baby, and her father-in-law was visiting to help out.

We had a pleasant conversation about kilts and rugby while we got the car started, and when we were finished, away they went.

I felt good about being able to help them... things like that always reaffirms my belief about what I am here for. My purpose.

I'm a helper.

I really think it is my "calling", for want of a better term. I'm the guy that people always ask for directions; will help you jump start your car; will help you dig a very long and thick root out of your garden; will change your tire, or anything like that.

I have examined that trait in myself for years, and wondered if I am a helper, or a softy that is easily taken advantage of. I am rather certain that it is the former, not the latter.

I could be worse things, I guess.

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My name is Gunfighter, How may I help you?

13 comments:

San said...

The world is a better place because of your willingness to help others. These acts of kindness are like planting seeds. Hopefully the people you help will do what they can to help others. And so on...

Gunfighter said...

Hiya San!

Good Karma, I seriously Grok.

(Big geek points to those that get it)

Brillig said...

Now, see, I just need you to live a little closer...

Anonymous said...

Funny thing, Bill, I have just learned that Grok has leaked into current slang totally removed from it's origin. One of the other librarians picked up buttons at the ALA Conference that read "I grok Kanye" and "I grok PS2". She had no idea what it meant, so I had to explain it to her.

Heaven said...

Blowing you kisses darling, the world needs more softies!

Anonymous said...

My husband, law enforcement as well, is also a huge helper. It makes me so proud. He will go out of his way, routinely to make sure others are completely taken care of.

GF, we women appreciate men like you!

Terri@SteelMagnolia said...

Awww... that's so berry sweet...


Yeah..... reminds me....Mikey didn't get home until 4:30 the other morning after a long night of getting three small business robbers ... he was exhausted.... but our little sweet neighbor came over at quarter to seven needing a jump....
(I certainly didn't know how to do it...?? :-/ )
So, Mikey dragged himself out of bed... drove across the street and gave her a jumpie.

Terri@SteelMagnolia said...

I meant to say..

cute picture!

Kateastrophe said...

You are so sweet and nice. I've said it before . . . the world needs more guys like you. Luckily, I married one of them. :D

Anonymous said...

You have a friendly face. And being cute probably helps, too. Thank goodness for helpers like you.

Desert Songbird said...

You're a good man, Charlie Brown. You they say what comes around goes around, meaning, I guess, that when you are kind, kindness will be returned to you.

And, I agree, your good looks probably help! You have a kind (and handsome!) face.

steph! said...

What I like about this is that not only are you a helper, but make it clear that you get joy from being a helper. Very, very cool.

Oh - and superman as your theme song - it fits :)

Jenn in Holland said...

I think that's just marvelous. Would there were more of you in the world GF!