Six-Word Memoirs at SMITH Magazine

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Backstory

A few years back I worked as a bartender.

I've recently ran across a couple of my regulars. It was good to see them happy.

Back then, that wasn't the story.

John was going through a bitter divorce where the wife was using their son as a pawn. Then he had an accident at work. Despite the doctor's attempts, he ended up losing his right eye. One afternoon, he was in the bar telling me he should just go kill himself because he was worth more dead than alive. We talked most of the afternoon. He left. I worried, but he showed up a couple days later in better spirits.

A few days ago, I saw him in town with a beautiful woman at his side, a teenager who looked just like him (his son), and an energetic 6 year old. He acknowledged me with a nod and a smile.

Jamie was a young man. Always happy and polite. One day, he came in angry. He was hitting those pool balls like he was killing someone. I asked him if he wanted to talk, he said no. Then he ordered Crown and Coke (his usual was beer). A couple drinks later, I snagged his keys off his table. A couple more drinks later, he told me he and his siblings had made the decision to take their mom off life support the next day. I told him this wasn't the way to deal,but if it was what he needed to go ahead. Eventually, I had another regular take him home with another following in his truck. They took him into his apartment and tucked him in. The next weeks were rough on him, but he got through them. Recently, I saw him. He hugged me, showed me pictures of his kids. Then he looked down at the ground and said he needed to thank me for getting him through that time when he didn't have anyone to talk to.

I guess my gift in this life is a beer and an ear.

by MO_Thoughts2 in Six-Word Memoirs on Dec 22, 2012 | | T-shirt

Comments

DynamicDbytheC says,

I have tears. Best Backstory ever. You certainly made those smiles possible. Absolutely beautiful. Thank you.

canadafreeze says,

Wow. There is the answer to the million dollar question - you know why you're here. Beautiful story.

L2L3 says,

This is a perfect story for Christmas, the spirit of which threads throughout the year.

L2L3 says,

Congratulations on the featured backstory. Very nice.

JAD says,

Sometimes that's all it takes.

Wench says,

I agree. Best backstory ever. It fits perfectly with the beautiful person who wrote it.

Loon says,

an O'Henry sort of Christmas

BanjoDan says,

Thanks for sharing your experiences and caring so much for others.

Redx3 says,

Heartwarming. Thanks for sharing it.

lovelylizard says,

Yes, I'm crying, but in a good way, because no act of kindness is ever too small to make a difference. By helping these people cope, the ripple effect into their families and communities has been felt. You ROCK! Thanks for sharing a little slice of goodie pie.

notjustagirlintheworld says,

lovely

MO_Thoughts2 says,

Thanks everyone :-)

ctgoods2 says,

thanks for sharing this with us - most excellent.

NumbrOneAunt says,

MO_T2, when i read this, i remembered your memoir with the backstory about buying popsicles for your special needs employee who needed to be kept hydrated. (in case anyone reading this wants to revisit, it's "seven years later, he remembers popsicles." - just looked it up.) you are an amazing person. if you can make it to six wordstock 2013 it would be an honor and a delight to meet you!

oopsalittle says,

Love your stories
Kudos on feature

Mourningdove says,

Thank you for sharing, this story was wonderful!