So the kid that can’t lie to people hit rock bottom. More pressure from management. “You must sell something or we have to let you go”. Great add some stress. I’m knowing I can do this, but not producing any results. I tried lying harder. No good. Go away kid, you bother me. So after two week I got the boot. 🥾 Return flight? Nope. Bus fare? Nope. How do I get back home to Colorado?
Fortunately another kid in the troupe “failed” so we both left Indianapolis broke with our tails between our legs. One thing we did have was faith, and a thumb for hitchhiking.
Good did come out of that sales experience that I carry within my mind and heart to this day. Every Thanksgiving Day, I stop and reflect back on that cold, drizzly bleak Thanksgiving day in an unknown housing development. The sales kids were dropped off en masse from the station wagon (remember those) in some “fresh unsuspecting” neighborhood. I thought, it’s Thanksgiving Day, the weather is bleak, why are we out here. Management say’s…”everyone is home today, go knock on doors and produce, produce”. Side note: Sounds like corporate America.
As early evening onsets, I approach a nice looking home, knock on the door, and was greeting by a nice lady. I looked behind her and saw this expansive table setting, with candles burning, places set beautifully, and a giant roasted Turkey. Hi, “I’m whoever and working my way through college in a foreign country, would you like to buy a magazine?”
The familiar response “no”, followed with “would you like to join us for Thanksgiving dinner?” Unequivocally yes. It was most enjoyable and needed as the kid was cold, wet, lonely and discouraged. I’ll never forget the graciousness and love shared with me that day. Something I reflect on every Thanksgiving with gratitude.
The other memorable event was when I knocked on the door of the small nondescript trailer in a nondescript trailer park. An elderly lady opens the door, invites me in, and promptly wants to pray with me and invite Jesus into my life. I’ve pretty much hit bottom by this time so figured what do I have to lose. She asked for my Mother’s address to write her and tell her the good news. Come to find out later this letter led my Mother to believe I had gone to be with Jesus. So when I made the “collect” call to home, Mom was happy to “accept the charges”.
And perhaps the most memorable and appreciated. After hitchhiking we arrived early morning in Springfield, Illinois, hungry and tired. I knew that someone will feed the homeless people. After a brief call to the local Police Department we found ourselves at the Salvation Army. We were met by the Commander, asking why we needed and what our story was as we were so young and on the streets. After the story was told, the Commander said we’re happy to feed you and would make this one request. That in the future as you go through life, remember and donate to the Salvation Army. To this day they receive my donation.
So that’s the message in this bottle – be open to new experiences – allow yourself to be gently led and guided. Trust your intuition. There are no mistakes in the Universe. Open your ears and heart to others. Take time to say “thank you”.
Love you more. Yogi