I ran across these pics not long ago. They were snapped in 1939 around what we called "Mulligan Flats". It was where May Av. ended at the river...at the city dump.
Some folks around here also called it Sandtown or Shantytown.
I didn't come along until 10 years later. We lived a mile and a half from the Flats. I always had a roof, a good warm bed and Momma Cash kept her babies well fed.
But Momma Cash had a sister that wasn't so lucky. She lived in the Flats. I had cousins that grew up there. I can remember packing groceries in a sack to take to my Aunt's place, often. As a boy I liked crawling all over the junk with my cousins. I realize now that actually living there would have been a different story.
We're lucky in America because the Interstate now occupies the Flats. They don't exist anymore. We have a wonderful country where food is plentiful and opportunity is still really out there. But there are folks out there that are in a bad spot and down on their luck, mostly young folks.
A few years ago I saw a young mom in Wal-Mart with three dirty faced young'ns. She was at the register counting pennies trying to buy diapers. It was around the holidays and it touched my heart. I handed her a $100 bill and told her to make sure the kids got some presents. We both had weepy eyes. She couldn't even say thank you. She didn't have to.
The reason I posted this was to challenge each and every one of you folks that read this. I challenge you to open your hearts up this Holiday Season and do something charitable for folks that aren't as lucky as we are. It's a wonderful and satisfying thing to make a difference in another's life.
As we sit here near the end of the year and look at all the new GPS equipment we need to buy to keep from paying taxes on our money...try and think of the lesser folks. Open your hearts. Put away the cynicism and disdain for those that don't or can't try. Just try and make a difference in someone's day. The good Lord will surely bless you if you do. B-)
Thanks for the reminder for "Paying it Forward!" Great story.
Thank you Uncle. I will.
God bless you Paden. That's exactly what we need to hear in this self-centered, "what's in it for me?" society we live in. You, sir, are a breath of fresh air.
Dale Yawn
Savannah, Ga.
Good 'un!
I try to practice that philosophy as often as I can, as I am sure you and others here do as well.
Peace to you, dude. B-)
:good: :good:
Aloha, Uncle Paden:
I enjoy reading all your stories and experiences you that share. This I think one of the best! Very inspiring! Thank you for sharing.
Well said. Thank you for what you do and for reminding us of others less fortunate.:good:
Someone once gave me 50 cents that I didn't ask for and I've never forgotten it, even though it's been almost 50 years now.
Even then, 50 cents wasn't that much, but it sure made my belly feel a lot better.
That little kind investment was payed forward at the time and has paid dividends ever since. 🙂
Don
> it sure made my belly feel a lot better. That little kind investment ... has paid dividends ever since
I hope your belly isn't exhibiting the effects of compound interest. Mine is starting to, unfortunately.
Hey, old guys get to have bellies.
Isn't there a mafia kind of respect, a saying, that elevates a "man with a belly"?
I don't know, I seem to remember that from somewhere.
I actually don't have a belly. I'm more of the "scrawny old guy" type.
And by the way,
Keep the hell off my lawn!
I'm thinking of putting that sentiment in my signature:-)
Wish I actually had a lawn instead of an attitude.
Don
Here you go, Don
> I'm thinking of putting that sentiment in my signature:-)
Leave that sentiment for all eternity...
Though I do not have a large yard, I would be eternally grateful to get rid of my lawn. When can I ship it to you? I will even consider paying the postage.....
