Once upon a time, a man got laid off from his job. Eventually, he had to live in his car.
The man was able to park his car in front of a relative's house–for a while. The relative allowed the man to come inside once a week to take a shower. Finally, the man had to move in with his elderly father and step-mother until he could get back on his feet.
And he succeeded. He heard that jobs might be more plentiful in Florida, so he headed to Jacksonville, where he found a good job he's held for eight years.
I'm telling this man's story for GRATITUDE TUESDAY because he's the kind of person who never forgets the way it felt to be homeless. He leaves large tips for servers. He's generous with his girlfriend. He's helped numerous family members.
The man who lived in his car is Willy Dunne Wooters.
Last weekend, we encountered a friend who was experiencing financial difficulties. Willy Dunne Wooters said, Let's go out to dinner! So we took the friend to a buffet where he could eat all he wanted. We put together a little care package of food for the friend. Then Willy Dunne Wooters insisted on giving the friend some money. If WDW doesn't get paid back, I know he won't whine and complain about it.
He just wants to help.
I'm so grateful for Willy Dunne Wooters, and not only because he's my sweetie pie. I'm grateful that the world has so many good, kind people who go out of their way to help others.
Thank you, Willy Dunne Wooters, for the good example you set, yet you don't call attention to yourself when you're generous.
Infinities of Wooters love,
Janie Junebug
I love your blog. I have been a secret reader for a while, but this post just breaks my heart. Please thank Mr. WDW for his kindness.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I will tell Willy Dunne Wooters what you said. I'm sorry you are a secret reader. I would love it if you come out of the shadows, but I understand that it might not be possible.
DeleteThe world needs more WDWs!!
ReplyDeleteI agree.
DeleteI admire his moxie and to overcome his problem by not giving up. And for his reward he has met you.
ReplyDeleteOh, Coffey. How can I not love you?
DeleteI totally agree! What the world needs now is fewer WMDs and more WDWs! Everyone can learn from his example. When you see a need, get resourceful and find solutions. Even temporary ones are better than none at all. Thanks, Janie! Love & hugs!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely comment. Thank you.
DeleteSomeone who has had to live in their car and really understands being homeless is someone who can so relate and as such they usually have a lot of compassion and understanding
ReplyDeleteI think he's the most compassionate person I've ever known.
DeleteYou are a very lucky woman to know him and recognize he is a good man. So many good people never have anyone realize their goodness. Did I use some form of good often enough? Yes, I did, but he seems to ooze it. So many people forgot where they have been and become arrogant. Obviously, he did not.
ReplyDeleteHe's not one to forget anything! Every Sunday evening when he leaves my house he takes my garbage out to the curb.
DeleteWhat's the connection between Willy Dunne Wooters and Ryan Gossling? Also, I'm glad Willy is doing so well. Anyone with a name that epic should be either a country singer or at the very least successful.
ReplyDeleteThat's not Ryan Gosling. It's Willy Dunne Wooters. People get confused because they look alike.
DeleteOh, I love this! I love both your hearts. This is what we need to be spreading. And thank you- it's contagious.
ReplyDeleteI admire his generosity tremendously.
DeleteErnest Borgnine was once asked advice from an acting novice and he told the fellow: Be good to everyone on the way up the ladder because these are the same people you'll meet on the way down. WDW seems to be embracing this thought.
ReplyDeleteThat's good advice.
DeleteI love the world's Willies. We all need to pass kindness along; it's the only thing we can do with it.
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ReplyDeleteI love a good willy, too.
ReplyDeleteSeconded! I'm married to a man who is occasionally too generous, and it's a big part of why I married him. It's that big heart and awareness of those around him. Here's to seeing the need and being willing to act!
ReplyDeleteGenerous people have to make sure they don't get taken in scams, such as the people who hang around gas stations and parking lots, claiming they just need enough money to get to a funeral. I've heard that so many times I want the funeral to be mine.
DeleteI almost started crying when reading this. I've never been homeless, but when I was younger, we had hard times and really struggled just to have food. It breaks my heart to see somebody who has to go through that and knowing so many people don't make it out of that situation. But he did and coming from a former server, one tip can make the difference between rent money or an eviction notice. He's changing lives whether he knows it or not.
ReplyDeleteThat's so sweet. I'll tell him what you said. We're going out for dinner tonight, and I know he'll treat the server well. He always does, and he never complains.
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DeleteI told him what you said. I think he had tears in his eyes, but he didn't cry. One time at the restaurant we frequent, he told me about his favorite movie and he cried so much. It was sweet!
DeleteWow, the relative let him sleep in his car and only let him shower once a week? Not THAT's compassion. Sheesh! But the amazingly positive thing is what WDW has done now. He sounds like a very special man...which makes him perfect for one special lady!
ReplyDeleteI was shocked when he said the relative didn't even like having WDW park his car in front of the house. He would never treat anyone that way. He's so good to me.
DeleteHi Janie .. this is a heart rending story, as well as a glorious tale of a life lived generously .. you are very lucky to have found him and can share time with him .. the world needs many more people of WDW's stature now ..
ReplyDeleteSo very happy to know of the kindness and thoughtfulness he metes out .. Hilary
I am a very fortunate woman. Thank you, Hilary.
DeleteDang girl...you shoot, you score! You got yourself a good'un in that WDW, for sure.
ReplyDelete-andi
Awww! Now that's a nice man! :):):)
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