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Is it human nature?Is it human nature that when someone helps you and you are content, you forget that your situation still requires some action on your part? I watched this young man I took in leave yesterday morning, all neat and clean. I thought he was going out to work with a friend to try and make some money. When he came in about 2:45 a.m. this morning, I found a note that he left thanking me for taking him in and trusting him. But the note also invited me to a cookout today with a lady friend of his. What lady friend? If he had a lady friend, why didn't she take him in? I don't understand how anyone can become so content when they think their situation has changed for the better. I wonder how long he thinks I can provide a place for him with the use of my hot water and laundry service, and telephone service and foot the cost. I know I am going to have to ask him to leave soon. There are more homeless shelters in Atlanta for men than there are for women. I am going to refer him to a couple of agencies for help. They should be able to help him find a job. He has a certificate of training from a culinary school, and I know that he received that certificate while serving time in a correctional institution. That's why he can't find a job. He doesn't know that I know this, but I am very attentive to detail, and noticed the name of a correctional institution on a paper he showed me. Why aren't people honest? He could have been in jail for any kind of felony for all I know. He doesn't admit to having been in jail, but my "gut" tells me he has. He is a pleasant, mannerable guy. He has a mother and siblings in North Carolina, but they wee not able to help him get back to North Carolina. Is it my responsibility to help him? I didn't want to ask him to leave the first evening he came to see me as I live in a community with no public transportation, and I know he walked to my house, probably a couple of miles. I don't have a car, so I have to walk a lot myself. But, if someone comes to pick him up for the cookout today, I am going to ask him to leave. Whoever comes for him, can also take hiom to the men's shelter. I am in a dire situation myself from helping. helping, helping. Why can't I say "no" when I see someone in need. People don't seem to have a problem saying "no" to me, even those I have helped. I wonder who will take me in if the bank reinstitutes the foreclosure on my home. I can't pay the mortgage when the high utility ills come in. I guess if I just turn off everything in the house, I could pay the mortgage. I am tempted to do just that. But, what's the point in having a roof over your head with no utilities. I already told this young man my situation, but I guess he won't see the to what extent I am in the same boat as he is, until we both get put out. I guess I will be able to say "no" then.
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