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Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Intuition and Integrity

in·tu·i·tion  [in-too-ish-uhn, -tyoo-] – noun

1. direct perception of truth, fact, etc., independent of any reasoning process.

2. a fact, truth, etc., perceived in this way.

3. a keen and quick insight.

::

That is the feeling I clung to as I decided to let a homeless mechanic man, dirty from the tips of his fingers to his elbows, into my car "to drive across the street, where's it's shaded, and I have my equipment," {said the old, rough in appearance gentleman, maybe somewhere between 50 - 60 years of age} 

FYI, this introduction happened while I was at Advanced Auto trying to find out if my a/c relay was faulty...while looking under my hood.  {During Layla's Gymnastics Lesson - 1 hour}

Long story short.  My "compressor is shot."  Yeah, we are talking big dinero! $$$$$$$

And this man SAVED me!!!  After I "go in an get some a/c oil, it's 'bout $6.00"  - he got the compressor running.  Then he checked my freon levels and said it was low.  "Go in an purchase one can of freon, not a bottle, a can!"  Meanwhile, I was watching him rig up a wire connection he made....and Ta-Da!!!!!

My a/c was blowing colder than an ice cube...probably has not blown like that since it was brand new!!!

He then proceed to say, "That should hopefully get you through the summer, but you will need a new compressor..ya know, I'm just tryin' to support my two grandchildren and just make it.  Been a mechanic for mercedes for almost 20 yrs..." {then he goes into a bit of a long one} "Go take that good relay back and get your money back!" 

I paid him what I had on me...not enough.  Asked where I could find him.  And he said, "Right here.  Ask for Stan." 

I told him, as he was walking away..."Stan!  {he turned}  I'll be praying for you.  And your grandchildren.  Thank you."  He smiled, and thanked me....and kept walking.

::

in·teg·ri·ty [n-teg-ri-tee] – noun

1. adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.

2. the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished: to preserve the integrity of the empire.

3. a sound, unimpaired, or perfect condition: the integrity of a ship's hull.
 
When I picked Layla up from Gym, right on time, I might add.  {whew!!}  Her Power Word for the month was INTEGRITY!!!!!  And it made me smile.  Big. 
 
Coach {to kids}:  Integrity means, You say what you mean and you mean what you say.  Don't lie.  Stay true to your word.
 
Integrity.  That's what Stan has.  Among many other great qualities, I'm sure.  Qualities that our society may never even take the chance to get to know because of Stan's appearance.  And I understand that.  I get it.  We have to be cautious and careful with whom we choose to trust.  But, I also think that is where the intuition comes in. 
 
I guess what I am trying to say is:
 
1.  Really try not to judge others on how they look.  We probably can't even imagine a day in some other human lives...homeless, hungry, HOT, sick, etc, etc, etc.....

{via}
 
2.  Trust your gut.  Intuition.  Try and HELP others when you can. 

{via}

3.  Believe and know that there are still really good, stand up people left in this world!!  With Integrity.

{via}

4.  Just because someone may look like this....

{via}
...doesn't mean they can't be your angel.   

 I know Stan was mine yesterday.  And I can't stop thinking about him.  And I know he was sent from above.

Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value.
~ Albert Einstein

::

A man has to live with himself, and he should see to it that he always has good company. 
~ Charles Evans Hughes

::

Don't try to be different.  Just be good.  To be good is different enough. 
~ Arthur Freed

8 comments:

Unknown said...

He does sounds like he was God sent. What a wonderful thing it was to find an honest person that could fill your car with cold air.

Claire Kiefer said...

Oh my goodness, I love this story. You're totally right. I've always been an intuition person . . . usually it's paid off. Ultimately, I just know there are more good people in the world than bad, and I'm glad that you and Stan met each other (and had some impact on each other's lives, I am sure). :)

Melissa said...

What an angel. I tell you Mel, this girl has been burned way too many times by homeless people where I offer then food/blanket/place to stay instead of $ and all I get are complaints or spat on.

Your story changed my thinking. From now on, I'll think of sweet Stan. What an amazing story.

Thanks girl. And whoop! for your A/C working again. It is HOT out there!

undomestic mama said...

So glad you got a/c! I'm so glad you followed your intuition, I feel like too often people don't and things would turn out so much different if we did. I know meeting Stan was meant to be.

georgia ~ gi gi said...

Oh Meli Love this gave me goose bumps!!!!
I love that soul of yours!
Stan is thee MAN!!!!!!!
On a related note....
I meet a Hobo once, I will never forget the look in his eyes! I gave him some money and he gave me a book that he put together of his travels and experiences! I think it got lost in a move! It was super cool, I wish I still had it!
Love ya
gi gi

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

The other day my Mom was stopped at an intersection when a car stalled. A homeless man helped the owner of the car push it into a parking lot quite a ways down the road. The owner of the car neither said thank you nor acknowledged the man who helped him. When the light turned green, my Mom turned around and drove back to where the homeless man stood and gave him a twenty. I love that people like those men and people like you and mom exist. Humans showing each other appreciation...It should happen more often!

Claudia said...

What an interesting post! I try to think the way you just advised but its so hard... Spending as much time in downtown LA as I do its easy to get jaded. We probably have the most homeless in the entire country. Somehow they end up here from everywhere else.

Thanks for the insight.

*D* said...

i love this story! totally made my heart happy. my mom and i had something similar happen to us a few years ago when our car broke down in the middle of a busy street. i completely believe in guardian angels, and they do come from all walks of life. :)

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