I posted this thread 13 months ago. Since then I have been trying to live by these words.
The best start to a New Year ever. It started a week before Christmas. Typical story a guy at a gas station comes up to you. Well, my first response
was to avoid eye contact. I was with my 10 year old daughter. The young, well dressed kid told me he left his wallet at home and he ran out of gas. I
ask him how much gas it would take him to get home. He said about ten bucks, but if I could help at all...Well, I gave it to this kid who had a nicer
car than myself. The young man said if I will give him my address...We have all heard that. I looked the kid right in the eye and said "Pass it
Forward". Forward to Saturday Night. I was sitting in the truck in front of the grocery store waiting for my wife and daughter to finish shopping.
This is a really classy shopping center. My dog was in my lap and I was just looking around. I saw a woman about fourty ask a man a question and get
blown off. This woman wasn't alone. She had a beautiful little girl with her about my daughters age. She walked passed my truck. In my mirror I saw
her turn around. This woman had a grimace on her face. Like she was forcing herself to ask me. Well, she came up to me and said. "I lost my job and
my house. My daughter and I have been sleeping in a car. It's cold tonight and we would like to get a warm place to sleep." I ask her how much she
needed to get a room. She told me she had seven dollars. I could not get past looking at that beautiful young lady being homeless. I had to help them
out. I just happened to have some cash. I told the woman that we had all been through tough things in our lives and I was sure her luck was changing.
Her and the daughter were very grateful and wanted to send it back when they got on there feet. They promised me as soon as they could they would send
it to me. I smiled, looked them in the eye. No, just "Pay it Forward". Sunday Evening... I am about to embark on a very risky venture in my life. I
don't want this to hurt my family. My girls take off to the store for some sales they see. I am literally on my knees praying when they return. My
wife was in mild shock upon returning from the store. I said "What's wrong?" and here's her exact words. "I was checking out my groceries and a
lady walked up to me. She told me she wanted to pay for my groceries. I begged her to pick someone that was more needy. I told her I have way too many
things. The nice lady said "she had picked me and that she really wanted to do this for our family". Shocked...My wife and my daughter kept thanking
the generous lady. When the transaction was nearing completion my wife handed the clerk coupons. The lady insisted my wife save them for next time.
This beautiful person turned and looked my wife in the eye and said with a smile "Pass it Forward". If we all did this, could you imagine? Please
"Pass it Forward"
So let me give you some personal information so I can tell you what happened.
I race horses as a hobby. They are not the super expensive type you see on TV. Well, I'm am just finishing my first year of racing. My Filly ran
lights out for me all year. Well, in February she ran in the mud and she messed her knee up pretty good. Not life threatening but definitely career
ending. When I got into the sport I swore I would not treat my horses like commodities. I swore I would never take one to the cannery.
So, here is my situation... I'm pretty much stuck with this horse the rest of it's life. It's not cheap. To find a Stud Horse that would make it
profitable to breed her is way out of my league.
Now I will bring this true story home with what happened yesterday. I was standing in line at the Gas Station minding my own business. A customer came
in and said "These Asia tourists are stuck in the busy intersection. They are waving money trying to get someone to help them". They spoke no
English. I could of just looked forward in line and minded my own business. I saw the precarious situation this family was in. Well, I just can't
look the other way. People were in danger. I quickly grabbed a couple guys to try and slow down traffic so I could try jumping the car and get it
going. It took less than a minute. The Gentleman was so relieved he was trying to throw money at me. Then a very young (10 years old) girl said in
decent English "My Daddy wants to give you some money. Nobody would help us. I told the sweet young girl to tell her Father to help the next person
he see's that is in trouble. I'm not sure she understood exactly, but I told her to tell her Dad to "Pass it Forward". He nodded and bowed
profusely like he completely understood.
Now Comes the Unbelievable Part
I get home and within 5 minutes of getting home my Horse Trainer called...
I went to the Stud Farm today. You will never believe the Stud they now have. When he said that I immediately went into my Day Dream mode...I ran the
What if Scenario quickly through my head. For just a brief moment I was accepting the Roses at Churchill Downs. Then reality hit. He made millions on
the track. This Horse is so far out of my league they wouldn't even let me muck his stall.
Then a Miracle happened to Me
My Trainer who had never met this man began to tell him my story. He told how I have just finished my first year of Racing. He told the Gentleman and
his wife how I refused to destroy this beautiful animal just because she can't race anymore. Also, she would not make a good saddle horse. The Filly
only knows one speed.
I could not believe my ears
The Gentleman and his wife were so moved by my story they offered me a FREE Breeding.
I still can't believe somebody I have never met would do this for me.
It's at a minimum five figure gift. Probably more...
When I started my own little local "Pass it Forward" thing it was not to get anything in return.
I am not sure if any of this is related...But, it sure has me wondering. Not only does it feel good to help others. It just makes this world a little
better place...
Will you join me? Even if it's just buying someone a cup of coffee. Miracles do happen. As long as I can I will...
Pass it Forward
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