Survivors

There is an expression: "Don't sit on your hands on the bus of survivors."

That applies more today than before. What makes up a "survivor" today? Someone who still has a job, is not losing their home, is not depleting their savings or kid's college funds.

If you are a survivor chances are you know someone who is not. This is the time to reach out and help them. No, they are not starving, homeless or destitute but they are caught up in a situation that is scary, supremely stressful, and de-humanizing. They probably will not come to you for help but you can see the signs of their needing it and reach out. They say never loan money to a friend but that "law" is suspended in this economic disaster.

Most people will refuse help because of that "charity/pride" thing that we all have. I respect that and I look at my friends who are not a survivor and tell them I am in a position to help them and that someday they will be in a position to help someone else. I do not expect the money to be paid back. I do not expect my help with fixing things around their house to be paid back. I do not expect the dinners I buy them to be paid back. I tell them to pay it forward when they get their life back.

It's tough out there people. I know I am a call to my boss's office away from being unemployed and dipping into my savings to save my house. Will I ask for help? I don't think I will have to. My friends will see me trying to keep my head above water and will throw me a rope. I will always be rich that way.

Peace.