All About Pocket Knives

I became aware of a young man [late 40s] who had lost his job due to the increasingly debilitating effects of diabetes. To produce some income for his family he hired himself out as a general handyman. He had some practical skills particularly with electricity and heating. Consequently, my sister and I invited him for a morning's light work.

He arrived punctually and proceeded thru the tasks we asked of him. He was clearly experienced and worked very efficiently. As he ended his work I went to my room to get some cash to settle up. Normally I would have written a check but I did not want him to go thru the extra time it would take for him to convert it to cash in hand. While doing this, I had the thought that as a working man he might be able to use a decent pocket knife. I chose a very nice German model.

After giving him his payment we chatted for a while. When he eventually got up to leave, I made some remark about how I thought a working man should always have a good knife available and then gave him the knife. No fuss about it. I simply slipped it to him as we walked to the door. He paused and studied the knife carefully. I was taken aback as I saw a couple of tears roll down his cheeks. He felt he needed to apologize for choking up and then explained that in years past, when times were better for him, he had collected pocket knives. He had none anymore, but now he did.

The last I heard, he is doing poorly. Kindly keep him in your prayers. Thanks.

Thanks for posting that QS. It's amazing how, when we approach life with a "Go and be a blessing" attitude and we do something that to us seems like a simple nice gesture, it often ends up being huge to the one being blessed and in turn a blessing for us. _____Dave

Thank you Dave. That is a very good observation.

Thank you for sharing that story QS - I needed that reminder today.

Garry, that story just made my day. I got the warm and fuzzes from reading it. Thank you for posting it.

Great story, Quick Steel.

A local newspaper has a columnist that gives out Roses and thornes to people in his column. This is definitely a Rose! ftd

This is the kind of thing that makes AAPK such a great read!
Thanks Quick Steel for givin' me a boost .
Treefarmer

Good on ya QS. That was a fantastic way to start my day.

Quick Steel wrote:I became aware of a young man [late 40s] who had lost his job due to the increasingly debilitating effects of diabetes. To produce some income for his family he hired himself out as a general handyman. He had some practical skills particularly with electricity and heating. Consequently, my sister and I invited him for a morning's light work.

He arrived punctually and proceeded thru the tasks we asked of him. He was clearly experienced and worked very efficiently. As he ended his work I went to my room to get some cash to settle up. Normally I would have written a check but I did not want him to go thru the extra time it would take for him to convert it to cash in hand. While doing this, I had the thought that as a working man he might be able to use a decent pocket knife. I chose a very nice German model.

After giving him his payment we chatted for a while. When he eventually got up to leave, I made some remark about how I thought a working man should always have a good knife available and then gave him the knife. No fuss about it. I simply slipped it to him as we walked to the door. He paused and studied the knife carefully. I was taken aback as I saw a couple of tears roll down his cheeks. He felt he needed to apologize for choking up and then explained that in years past, when times were better for him, he had collected pocket knives. He had none anymore, but now he did.

The last I heard, he is doing poorly. Kindly keep him in your prayers. Thanks.

............great story!!!!................ .....................

Quick Steel, to me that is the essence of the members here on AAPK. You never know how a small gesture of kindness will affect someone, but that is generally not the reason for the gift. It is that most of the people here are truly kind. I applaud you for your kindness!

For me, this little incident taught or clearly reinforced what I now recognize as an important principle. That is, whenever the inspiration comes to do something positive for someone I mustn't debate with myself about it. Or have an inner dialog..."Why should I do this; or how will the person react etc. etc.? Just do it. I hope that has become my inner motto. "Just do it!" That is what I learned from from my visitor that morning.

And, GSM, while I definitely appreciate your generous comment I am in fact far from kind. I am an onery, impatient son of a gun. Just ask my sister!

Quick Steel wrote:
And, GSM, while I definitely appreciate your generous comment I am in fact far from kind. I am an onery, impatient son of a gun. Just ask my sister!

Well QS I kind of figured that from the pic of that stern looking judge staring down from the bench, but even us old ornery coot have a bit of compassion way down deep!

Excellent story! Very touching and warming, I salute you for your generosity and bringing some joy to that gentleman!

Tom

Thank you Thomas. [Totally irrelevant but my middle name is Thomas. Talk about being self-absorbed!]

Great story QS

I am sure something good is coming your way when you least expect it.

Bob

That's life......giving without any intention of hope of receiving.

Much respect Garry! Very proud to know you!

Quick Steel, just got to reading this, missed it some how....you not
only made him feel better, but all of us here on AAPK that read your story.
With all the nasty stuff ya read, this was a welcome diversion !!!

Stag

Thanks Stagman for reviving this old post. I wasn't around when it was first posted. Acts of kindness are lasting.

Quick Steel wrote:Thank you Thomas. [Totally irrelevant but my middle name is Thomas. Talk about being self-absorbed!]

....great story, QS!!!!...... .........

I missed this one also when it was first posted.
Great story Garry! We never know I what effect our actions will have other people.
We are to be Salt and Light wherever we go. It's great when we can be Salt and Light at home too.

I also missed your original post Garry.
I hope the young Man is doing well.
I'm sure he thinks of you and family every time he uses your gift.

I appreciate all your comments gents.