Click here to stay informed and subscribe to Herald-Dispatch.
Click #isupportlocal for more information on supporting our local journalists.
Learn more about HD Media
Most of the time, when I want to share something from my life, I just dive in and tell it. In this instance, though, IƵm afraid my telling will fall short. That something I say, or donƵt say, will deplete my intent. Also, because I promised anonymity, I fear the elements I know but canƵt share may cause this to perhaps mean more to me than it might to others.
But IƵm going to try, anyway.
A few years back, when my husband and I left Atlanta to move to Hinton, West Virginia, it was not something we carefully planned. We didnƵt even know the move was about to happen. We believed we were just visiting for Christmas, but then my job ended on Dec. 22. This development came with severance pay and unemployment, enabling enough of a financial buffer for us to move (Don works remotely, so he can go wherever there is internet).
We rented our house in Atlanta to a close family friend and moved into the old warehouse we had purchased a year earlier as a down-the-road retirement project. It was NOT move-in ready, but we discovered freedom in living rough and making do on far less than we had in the past.
Our cars were paid off and ran well. We were in good health. Our pets were mostly young and strong. Our debts were nearly non-existent. I naively believed we were due for a bit of a coast, so I accepted a low-paying job that I actually enjoy and found life so much better without the 9-to-5/wearing-heels/assisting-suits world that I left behind.
But the coast wasnƵt a long one. IƵll spare a full recounting of the litany of bad luck that arrived all at once, but just part of it involved a cardiac procedure and a fall down an elevator shaft and a blown head gasket and an extended veterinary stay for one of our cats. It seemed not a day went by without some costly, new catastrophe.
The health situation is finally under control and the cat is still with us, but the no-working-vehicles business was especially frustrating. The two had broken a day apart, leaving us without a way to get around as we figured out whether (and how) to repair or replace Ƶ in a town where there are no Ubers or rentals or car dealerships.
This is where the anonymity comes into play. IƵm forced by a pledge to be vague.
A friend from town Ƶ a man we have only known a few months Ƶ came to Recycling, where I work, and placed a key on my desk.
ƵWhatƵs this?Ƶ I asked.
ƵItƵs for you and Don,Ƶ he said. He handed me the title. It was already signed over. ƵI know itƵs not much, but itƵll get you around until you can get something else.Ƶ
The car isnƵt new. ItƵs actually a few years older than my daughter, who will turn 28 the end of this month. There are some minor mechanical issues and itƵs held together in places by tape, but it is beautifully quirky and feels like it has a personality. And it runs.
The man who gave us this car is a Christian who has nearly nothing to his name. He talks often about his dream of owning a little piece of land, even if it is just half an acre and covered in junk. He would clean it. He would build a tiny home there, or maybe have a camper. A place for him and his bitty dog to finish out their years in a place of their own.
Selling the car wouldnƵt have brought him much money, but it still would have taken him a little bit closer to achieving his dream. Yet, he didnƵt think of himself. He saw his friends in a pickle and fixed it.
ƵItƵs like the widowƵs mite,Ƶ Don said, referring to a Bible story about the widow who gave her only coin, a mite. It was a very small amount compared to what the wealthy were giving, but Jesus recognized the significance of her gift because giving it was a great personal sacrifice. The intention behind the gift was what was valued more than the size.
To be the recipient of such a gift is a bit humbling.
Yet every time we climb behind the wheel, it feels like a hug.
Karin Fuller Patton may be reached at karinfullerpatton@gmail.com.
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd,
racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another
person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone
or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism
that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on
each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness
accounts, the history behind an article.
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
| Rate: | |
| Begins: | |
| Transaction ID: |
A receipt was sent to your email.