There he was. I’d seen him more than once before. Sitting outside in his wheelchair, scruffy, stinky, and smoking a cigarette. But this time, I spoke to him instead of simply walking by.

You see, as I entered the building code to access this nursing and rehab facility, he must have remembered my struggle to open the door last week because he spoke up and said loudly, “Push the round silver button!” And so, after entering the code this time, I pushed the button he pointed at and voila! The door opened easily!

After delivering my box to another inhabitant inside the building, I approached and asked, “Are you or were you a teacher for your career? You gave great directions! Thanks for helping me!” He looked startled and mumbled, “Um, no; I was in the drywall business.” And that’s when I stopped racing to my car long enough to have a conversation. That’s when my too-busy and too-long day took a turn for the better. That’s when I started to know his story.

You see, just three months ago, John (not his real name) had an emergency. Just three months ago, life as he knew it radically shifted. From independence to dependence. From employment to unemployment. From drywall to sitting and doing nothing. Every day. Why? Because several blood clots showed up in his leg. One thing led to another, and soon his leg had to be amputated.

He seemed eager to talk. When I asked direct questions, he warmed up even more, seemingly starving for conversation and willing to share himself. I learned that earlier in the day, he had met his new leg. Finally! He said he had all kinds of emotion bottled up. He said he couldn’t make it work yet, but he would learn how. He would figure it out. It would be a ton of work, but he’d do it.

I heard myself encouraging him and cheering him on and stating my belief that he would be successful. I then told him that I looked forward to seeing him on future deliveries and I would enjoy hearing about his journey as he learns to walk again. He beamed, and as I turned to my car, I felt like I was floating in a joy bubble. My weariness of the day had dissipated and I knew that what just happened was important for John, and for me.

I was profoundly touched at how blessed I am to be tired at a job, as it means I’m employed and able to walk, lift, and carry things without someone assisting me. I’m in my apartment, not stuck away from everyone and alone, in a rehab center during COVID-19. I’m able to meet interesting people like John and to support them as they try to pick up the shattered pieces of their lives.

Since leaving Dubai, I’ve struggled with trying to find a purpose in my days. I’ve not known how to help others now that we struggle to make the rent each month ourselves. And, I’ve missed the ladies and gentlemen with whom we spent time overseas who were truly needy and hungry and appreciative of every morsel we could spare. But John really gifted me by reminding me that spending time and showing a sincere interest in others doesn’t cost anything and can give back far more in return.