After seeing Tarec Atkinson several times on the street and wanting to help him, Adam decided to invite him to lunch one day. Tarec accepted, and Adam was able to hear Tarec’s life story over lunch.
Tarec was born in Jamaica, but moved to the U.S. around eight years ago after living a hard life. In the past year, he lived in a tent by the highway in California, and he spends around 90% of his time alone.
“Tarec goes days without eating, sometimes living off of the berries he picks, he spends 90 percent of his time alone, and he doesn’t have any friends or family in the states,” Adam wrote. For Tarec, Adam’s heart opened. He invited him to lunch.
“I’ve seen this guy at Starbucks in Mar*n County a few times. Every time I saw him, I told myself I’d take him to lunch, but I always found an excuse not to. But today was different. It may have been self-centered, but I was lonely. I didn’t want to spend the whole day alone, so I asked him if he was hungry and if he wanted to go to Subway with me.”
Tarec has not had an easy life, living in a tent along the highway for the past year.
Terec Atkinson was born and raised in Jamaica. As a child, he dreamed of becoming a famous soccer player. Although he was recruited to play at school, he never had the opportunity because of some trouble he got into as a teenager.”
“He moved to the U.S. 8 years ago and has spent the last 12 months living in a tent by the side of the freeway. Tarec goes days without eating, sometimes living off of the berries he picks. He spends 90% of his time alone, has no friends or family in the States.
Adam was heartbroken to learn that Tarec had not been able to shower for more than a month, so he offered to let him use his shower.
“I brought him back to my apartment so he could enjoy a hot shower after hearing it had been a month since he had showered. Trying to get a job is nearly impossible with all these difficulties. When you haven’t eaten for days, how can you fill out an application?”
Tarec was told that Adam would take him around town next week to help him find a job that would help him get back on his feet. Tarec agreed, and when they met, Adam got Tarec a nice dress shirt and some slacks and took him to use the computer at the local library to complete applications online.
“I told Tarec I would drive around with him next week and help him apply for jobs and even speak on his behalf to help him land one so he can get back on his feet.” Tarec is searching for a purpose in life, as we all are. He longs for happiness. He wants a woman to love and to feel the love of a woman. So one day he could have a family and a stable life, he wants to create a better life for himself. He is just like you and me.”
While helping Tarec, Adam realized how difficult it is for a homeless person to even apply for a job without assistance.
“And let me tell you something, we take our computer literacy for granted. After seeing him struggle to fill out an application, I began to see how the ‘system’ was set up to deceive people like Tarec. He could not have done any of that without my help.”
Following a week of helping Tarec, they were able to get him an interview at Safeway, and Tarec was hired.
“After a week of phone interviews, Tarec landed an in-person interview at Safeway. On the way there, I was nervous. As I looked over at him, I asked how he was feeling. I looked back at him and he said, “I got that”. I believed him. “I dropped him off, wished him luck, and waited for him.”
“20 minutes later, I see him walk out of Safeway with a big smile and a thumbs up. I let out a RᎥck FlaᎥr soundᎥng “WOO!”. We had accomplᎥshed a lot together Ꭵn two weeks. It was an ᎥncredᎥble moment.”
“I hope sharing this story will inspire others to spread love. We all need help at some point. Often, all someone needs is a friend. I appreciate you taking the time to read my story.
Empathy involves recognizing the echoes of another person in yourself.
If you see someone in your area who you feel you can help with a few little things, be the love to reach out to them this week.
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