Pick 31 - My Word

He needed a hand up and I happened to be the only one willing to provide it. I am not wealthy and there were times in my life when I was the one needing the hand up. But on this day I had the amount of money in my wallet that he needed and on this day I did not need it. So I explained the terms. This was not a hand out. I expected him to pay me back on the day I needed that money to be back in my wallet. He agreed and we shook hands on our agreement. I did not expect him to sign a note or give me any collateral. I am not a Pawn Broker or a Loan Shark. I just wanted his word and handshake that he would pay me back and that was enough.

On the agreed payback day, he met me at the agreed place and handed me the money. He wanted to add interest to the amount but, I assured him I did not expect that. Instead, I suggested he pay that forward. Give it to charity or use it to give someone else a hand up when the opportunity came along. I do not know if he did so or not. But I do know that I can trust him to keep his word.

That was not the case for some other people that I had helped this way. Despite the sincere handshake and promises, I received only excuses and delays. That would not have bothered me if the offending person really did have a run of bad luck and was willing but unable to pay me back. That was not the case. This person clearly decided to take advantage of me. His gain came at my loss. But from many years of experience with these things I know that my loss will be covered in some other way. It always seems to work out that way. I cannot say the same for the person who took advantage of me. The time will come when he will need a hand up again. But this time his word will have no value and his open hand will be seen as no better than a pickpocket. That is the hidden value in a sincere person's word and handshake. I know that same hand will be there for me if I need a hand up.

$tokens to Tip the Pickers

1 $token - 1.00 USD3 $tokens - 3.00 USD5 $tokens - 5 USD 12345