Walter Carr, an African American college-aged kid, was to begin his first day on the job at a moving company, 20 miles from his home in central Alabama. But the day before, his car broke down.
That is where this story begins.
Each step along the way adds more joy and restores faith in the goodness of people.
The job was everything to Walter, so he left his home at midnight for the 20 mile walk to work. At 3:00 a.m. the police stopped him. Rather than harassing him, the police listened, empathized and took him for breakfast before bringing him to a church for safekeeping. They checked on him later and dropped him off at the address of the family who was to move that day. Wow - way to go Pelham, Alabama police department!
Jenny Lamey was a bit startled to see Walter show up at her home early in the morning in a police car without a full moving crew. She listened to him tell his story and invited Walter in to take a nap. Walter preferred to work and helped her pack as they awaited the arrival of the moving van and rest of the crew. The move was uneventful except for the impression Walter made on Jenny. She was so amazed she started a GoFundMe and published the story on social media.
She ended her post: "So yes, yesterday we moved. Yesterday was crazy. Yesterday was long and hard and hot. But...Walter."
The CEO of the moving company saw the post later and drove out to meet Walter, his newest employee. He was so impressed with his grit and humility, he handed over the keys to his Ford Escape and freely gave it to Walter.
Every human in this story acted with open heart and no cynicism. Walter gave his best and the police, Jenny and the CEO, without knowing Walter, decided to trust and see the best in Walter.
- Mr Charles Kafoglis
