My unlikely Friend

Who would have thought in a million years that a stranger in town who dressed like a hobo, torn jacket, and didn't smell the greatest would end up being someone that would turn my life back on track.

I had just lost my job that I was working at for the last 15 years. I realize that I am still young sort of , but the thought of starting over again did not appeal to me right now. Especially when I did not know what or where I was going to look for work.

I didnt blame the company, just another product of out of date equipment, not near the customers we used to have, and no money to upgrade.

So, now what. I was thinking out loud as I was walking through town trying to clear my head. When I looked up I saw this man sitting on the lawn of the park against one of our big oak trees. He really looked awful. I had never seen him before. So i wandered where he could have come from. The nearest town from here was almost 20 miles. I was kind of turned off by the odor, but I couldn't help going up and asking him who he was.

He looked up at me a little surly, and said, "Who wants to know?: I introduced myself and mentioned that I did not recognize him and wanted to see if he needed anything. My name is Robert, in a very short tone, and no you cant help me.

Ok, sorry to disturb you I said and walked on. But his face and the pain in his eyes I couldn't get out of my mind. As I got to my apartment, I kept mulling over in my mind where this man called Robert came from, and what his problem was.

The next day, I went down to apply for some jobs at the work office, and there he was. Also in line and still the same clothes he had on the day before. The lady at the desk gave me a number and told me to have a seat and that she would call my number in turn.

This was my first time having to do this, so I was a little nervous. I ended up sitting down right next to Robert, and so I thought I would try again."

"My first time here, and its intimidating" Robert looked at me at with this authoritative voice that I just knew everyone in the building heard, "Wait till you've been here as many times as I have son, then see.

I did not know what to do at that point. Whether to find another seat or what, but I decided to try to strike up a conversation with him.

"So, what kind of work are you looking for?"

"Machine shop work. And doesn't seem to a spot for me here,

So, I said, where are you from?

" From Torrington. Which was 2 towns over.

"No work there anymore. Everything is automated now. No place for me.

I understand what its like to be out of work alright. So I thought of my uncles metal shop across town.

"Robert, my uncle has a small metal shop across town. He builds small motors for lawn equipment, drain pipes. And he does most all of it by hand. If you like...

Robert gruffly interupted me, " Save your breath and your help. Aint noone going to hire me looking like this."

I saw a heart that was hurting behind the gruffness. So I walked over to the pay phone, and called my uncle. I told him about Robert and all and mentioned that he wasnt the best dressed but I think he might have the skills to help you. I told him where I was,and asked him if he could come by.

Within minutes Uncle Jess was over there. After the hugs, I introduced Uncle Jess to Robert.

I think Robert was surprised that Uncle Jess did not step back or give him the once over. Uncle Jess said, "So I hear you do machine work. Ever built motors or drain pipes?

Used to, Robert said. You could see a change of look on Roberts face.

Well, Uncle Jess said, its like riding a bike. You dont every forget.

How about we meet in town in an hour, and you can start for me on Monday.

Robert didnt know what to say. He looked at my Uncle and cleared his throat, Hmm Are you sure? You bet. Uncle said, just meet me in town in an hour.

Ok, deal. But seems like you might have something for your nephew as well.

I do in fact. Steve meet me in town in an hour.

We both were curious about the meeting place. But there we were. Right outside the Thrift Store that his daughter manages.

(Yea, a family operation here)

Uncle Jess said, " I think you could use some clothes. And Steve you too. Within an hour we had new clothes, well to us anyway. and after a good meal at the diner, Robert was speechless.

I looked at him and thought what if I just walked by and did not stop. What if I just ignored him.

You never know when one encounter can change lives for the better.

Turned out Robert actually ran the machine shop. And when the owner wanted to automate to save, (yea right), Robert would not budge and was given the heeve ho. He had a great mind and and knew how to build equipment. So I knew that that would work out. I didn't know that it would help me as well being Uncles new shop supervisor. and bookkeeper. I walked away from this realizing that everyone has a story, and it pays sometimes to open up their book and read it. I realized that it hurts when you get bad news and dont know what to do next, and end up feeling like you are on the bottom. But The good Lord knows and always provides what we need. We just need to be open and willing to look beyond what we physically see.