An Inspiational Man (Day 3)

We all need our lives put into perspective, and I had an eye opener today! I’ll call this guy Jimmy just to protect his identity, small world maybe one of you may know him. I see Jimmy maybe once or twice a week, usually in passing and we have a little small talk about work or the weather. My first option was this is a friendly guy that makes friends easily, very outgoing!

Today we had an opportunity to chat for about a half an hour, and did I respect him even more after we parted. I really don’t know how we got on the topic but he told me how his mom and dad had drinking problems and he never felt love or compassion in their presence. Typical to this environment Jimmy left home and lived on the street from age 16 to 21. The drinking and drugs that consumed his life brought him to deaths door on several occasions. One story he told me was when woke in the hospital and asked the nurse how he got there. The nurse told him the snowplow operator found him in a snow back near death and brought him in. This was one of several stories Jimmy told with passion and a little pride for the fact that he survived these younger years. He didn’t carry an air of cockiness but a sincere tone.

At 50 Jimmy can not read or write and did not hesitate to tell me this point, he said he used to be ashamed of this fact but with a learning disability he accepts his fate. Today he has a great job making a higher the n average income and enjoys life to the fullest.

He then tells me of the struggles he has had with his ex-wife, and how difficult it was to leave his 10 year old son. His son now 22 struggled also with drugs and alcohol, until he found God and is presently 120 days free and dry.

Jimmy’s perspective of his life, past present and future, is outstanding for a man that has lived his life. If I had not been told he could not read or write I would have guessed he had read all the same books as I had, for his insight and wisdom was one of a well read individual. The truth is life has taught this man all the lesson he has learned not books or lectures. I feel if given the right form Jimmy could play a pivotal role in assisting other to change their direction in life and move in a positive direction.

This man is a true inspiration.

Shawn Murphy