A Community Comes Together To Pay Tribute

--by smiletoday, posted Dec 4, 2009

Our friend took his own life at a young age (he was only in his 40's) and we waited to hear about funeral arrangements. He was a truck driver that we only saw twice a week but he always was so cheerful. He didn't live close to our town but touched the lives of many. Every week when he delievered our shipments, he drew on the papers and we always responded by drawing our own back. If we had only known he was so troubled, we would have done anything to help him.

When we found out that no one was claiming his body, three of our stores that he delivered to got together. We did the legal work and got the papers fixed so our funeral home could have the legal rights to go care for him. We raised the money and, by the night of the services, we had enough money to pay the cost in full.

As our final tribute to him, we all went outside and released smiley face balloons in the air as we said our final farewell. This was the most touching service I had ever been to. We all got to tell stories about him as we laughed and cried.

The funeral home only charged us a small amount to help us out and one family donated $500 to help. Amazingly, they didn't even know him. So many people worked together to make this happen and, instead of leaving our friend unclaimed, we got to have a service that would have made him smile. It's a good feeling to know that people still step in to help others. We couldn't have done it without the help of so many others, including those that had never even met him.

1671 Reads

Posted by smiletoday
Dec 4, 2009
Comments (11)

Readers Comments

FairyBubbles wrote: That is so beautiful - I feel like crying now - your story has really touched my heart.

lindsgran wrote: Thank you all for careing, this story realy touched my heart as well

wayfarer wrote: Wow! :)

Sanyogita wrote: Thanks for been such a kind hearted person.Hope ur friend`s soul rest in peace.... : )

unknown wrote: It is so nice to hear that everyone came together and gave him a respectful burial. I wish he had reached out to all of you.

MakeSomeoneSmile wrote: How wonderful! We often don't realize the difference everyone makes in our lives. Thanks for caring!

helpinghand wrote: You really have a big human heart,which is full of Love and Kindness.

GOD BLESS YOU.

luckyman wrote: Sad to know someone took his own life!

The way people gathered together pooled money and did all that was necessary for a proper burial is whar keep 'the spirit of caring' alive! It was a touching gesture! All of you deserve praise for that!

harriet wrote: A true community coming together! Bless you all.

angel3 wrote: A lot of people are often unhappy but the put up a front for the rest of the world. If only the guy shared his problems to at least one of his frens, he might still be here today.

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