I Hit The Jackpot Today!!!!!

Earl, you were blessed with wayyyyyyyy more than what is in the pics! SAM...is the kind of man I want to be, when I get growed up ta 89! We have had all of these posts about how people are getting screwed and hurt by other humans...then we get a post like this and BAM...there are still "Sam's" in this world, and I am encouraged!!

Next weekend, weather permitting, you better be out, IN DAT BOAT WITH FAMILY, EVEN...if you get a call for the "mother-load"! There will always be another pickup, load to chase, yada yada, but if you want to pay Sam for that boat, share some pics and stories of how great a time you had with family in it! To not make the time, would be an insult to his generosity!!!

Most of us like to "give" and find it hard to be on the receiving end. To have a "Sam" come along and give us something, with no motives or agenda, is a lesson in learning how to graciously accept, and simply say, thank you.

Just a quick story. Back in 1987 when I started the printing company, I did it with nothing. Had no savings, no cushion to fall back on, etc. The day I started I had one little press, a bunch of paper, and a BIG GARBAGE CAN to put all the waste in. I was so excited to get started, I parked my car in a no parking zone during morning rush hour. The car was ticketed, towed and impounded! YIKES! I had like 20 bucks and was freakin.

Went to a gathering at my parish that night. Was standing around just talking to some friends. This little Italian woman I had never met before, walked up, said hello, and stuck some folded money in my pocket. Being a pretty large size male human with a big ego, I handed it back to her and said, I don't need that. This little woman stood tall, put it back in my pocket and literally yelled...WHO DO Y O U ...THINK Y O U ARE... TO DEPRIVE ME...OF THE PLEASURE OF GIVING!!! The room went silent and everyone was looking over at us. I did not know what to say. SHE SCHOOLED ME BIG TIME! She said...how do YOU feel when YOU give? Responded with, wellll pretty good. To which she said, AND YOU WANT TO TAKE THAT FROM ME? ummmm no ma'am, thank you! She said, that is all you ever have to say when someone wants to do something for you...THANK YOU! Never saw her again.

That night changed my life! She was a "Sam" of sorts. Since then I have been able to give often, but also have been in positions where I have had to say, Thank you often.



I pray that the boat, and all the good times with family, will lead you to be keep being a "Sam" to others! You know, the ole ... pay it forward thing.

Enjoy the blessing! +++BroJer