GETTING INVOLVED

GET INVOLVED

I am sharing this story to hope that you will find it beneficial.

I was in Chicago.   My family was visiting Lincoln Park Zoo.   Because of my illness I often need to rest and was resting while my family was enjoying the zoo.   Since being sick I have found that I have taken the time to listen to the wind in the trees, notice people, and even robin search for food.

I noticed an older man, taping a cane in the center of a large open area.  He would tap a few times and then turn 30 degrees and stand there and then tap again.  He continued to do this several times going in full circle several times. Due to the cane it was obvious that he was blind.   People kept walking by him and even bumping into him and his cane.   You could see the confusion and frustration on his face.

I final had watched long enough that I decided to get involved. It is difficult to know if you are to help a disabled person due to the fact that it may be an insult to them and their independent is you help. 

I approached slowly and asked if I could help.  He thanked me and said I cannot believe that someone would not help me.  He said he had been trying to find the entrance and then the bus stop.  I asked if I could help him to the bus stop.  He said, "yes, and said let me hold onto your left arm."  We walked to the entrance of the Zoo and then on to the bus stop as we talked, he asked, “What happen to people helping each other?”   I was not sure how to answer.

He told me "god will smile on you for your kindness." and we went our own way.

I hope this story helps and people will take the time to see what is going on around them and when a fellow person needs some help that they will not be afraid to...GET INVOLVED. 

JUST BEING HUMAN

I decided to start this blog for two reasons to help me heal and to also help others.  I have been sick for 12 years; two years ago I was diagnosis with Chronic Lyme Disease and have daily headaches and frequent migraines. 

I had worked for Perry Atha who owned Atronic Alarms, Inc.  I was given some ownership due to the fact that I was his first employee and was a substantial contributor to the growth of the company.

I was told when I sold my ownership to help offset expenses that I would have a job for as long as I wanted it.  Perry gave me his word and shook my hand.   I believe his exact words to me were, “you have a job as long as you want it.”

I believed him since I had known him for 23 years and the only person that knew him better was probably his wife. 

I took 4 months off to take an aggressive treatment for the Lyme. I was "disabled" by my doctor’s recommendations.  Right before that Perry moved the company into a new building where I was involved in some of the decisions but knew we had too much overhead and needed to look at expense.  Of course, there was conflict since companies Atronic Alarms size in the same industry had 25% less staffing doing more per client then Atronic did.

Perry had also expressed to me that both his sons were interested in joining the business which due to their lifestyle meant that they would need company vehicles, and substantial incomes.

So Yes, I did question many of the business expenses and decisions as an employee, Vice President, and stock holder.   My input was often overlooked.  Ironically, since my firing much of the input has been implemented. 

I was planning on going back to work at the beginning of June.  I was sent a registered letter on May 26th and it indicated I was fired.

I have been destroyed and shocked.  I have had others not keep their word but I was shocked since Perry and I were like brothers so I thought.  Being told that I was “like family” was what I needed to hear.  I forgot I was not family.

What happen to doing the right thing?   I feel that many of us have forgotten what is right?