True, that. During my college days I was employed by the college as a paid math tutor for disadvantaged students. There was this big black man in his twenties having difficulty with algebra, I had to start with basic math and slowly teach him higher skills. At first I thought he was a dirt poor kid trying to improve his employability. Nope, he was rich and trying to better himself. Started working parking cars at a lot, saved enough to buy his own parking lot, and later expanded and hired others. I learned a thing or two from him.
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I hear you ............. I was somewhat of a well to do kid in a suburban community just outside of Pittsburgh.
The greatest and most meaningful direction that came into my life was from a wonderful workingman. He was the "cleaning man" who came to many of the houses in our neighborhood. He was a "Negro", as was said then. He was a great worker ........... but more than that ......... to me ..... he was a close friend.
He taught me how to work, he taught me how to see the world.... and he taught me how to survive when my father jumped off a bridge to his death.
I was 13 years old when that happened.
Let's call this man, Kenneth........ that was his name.
When my father did his thing, Kenneths's words were the most meaningful to me. He said. "Keep your chin up."
Your story, roadcat, is powerful.