NO GOOD DEED GOES UNPUNISHED

My dears, it is absolutely wicked of this old geezer to use this tune for this post.  Mind, I required something to lighten me mood as I tell you,  dear reader, of the latest mis-step in trusting someone not well known.

Some time back, there crossed me path a chap who was down on luck.  So down on luck that he was at point where nothing mattered any more.  Staying in a homeless shelter, one that only allowed a few hours of sleep before casting out the homeless to wander the road all day, it was a very mean time for the poor chap.

The tale told of his misfortune rang true and an effort was made to see if some relief might be available.  This old geezer knows brilliant folks and there was one lovely man who felt there was something that could be done to brighten the homeless chap's day.

Not having any cash and little in the way of personal effects, the chap was given a bed to sleep in and a place to hang out until his situation improved.  There was a social security check to come in the beginning of the month and with it, the possibility of righted his condition.

The homeless chap was personable and my friend and I help provide food and ciggies and some light entertainment to wile away the days.

With the arrival of the new month, cash was available and it appeared that the former homeless chap was going to set self up on a new path.  It was not called for that kindness shown needed to be repaid but it was lovely to see him make an effort to return the favour, in small ways.

What was not so lovely was to see much alcohol and 'weed' bought and used, so much so that what little monies were available were gone through rather quickly.  There was nothing close to moderation at all.  This old geezer is not fond of folks who drink to excess and even less fond of folks who use massive amounts of 'weed' to get through the day.  Trouble was coming...

Feeling sorry for the chap and knowing that part of his cash had been used to secure a place to live and to cover the period extended on credit, I allowed meself to 'buy' into a story.  I was asked to loan cash to 'tide over' and it would be returned when next check came.  I was under the impression that the cash was going to be used to cover food, laundry and the like and was gobsmacked to see it used to buy drugs and alcohol.  In a few days, it was gone and was approached to cover more needs.

Fooled once, it did not happen that any more cash was made available.

The chap turned out to be right clever and found a way to get into a situation that allowed him recover from his depression brought on by lack of cash and too much drugs and alcohol.  Not a word was heard from for a week.

With but a day to go before check day, the clever bugger returned and collected his things.  With not a word to MOI or much kindness to show the folks who had be ever so kind, the bugger departed.  Fancy that...

Why do folks who borrow tend to make the lender feel guilty?  One should have felt the heat from the look given when the cheeky bugger departed.  I knew in a tick that no cash was going to be returned.

Lovely folks much appreciated in life tell MOI that one has to let it go and not allow the actions of one to cause faith to be lost in future dealing with some who might require a little kindness.  Spot on that.

No one likes to be played and am of the opinion that is exactly what happened.  How very sad that a few dollars caused one to break faith with good people.  More's the pity that the value of friendship was so low to the clever bugger who has departed.

Truth be told, me life is filled with more who were true, than the few who felt the need to tell a story.