About a year ago on a Sunday, I traveled to Oklahoma City to take care of some work at my downtown office. My wife was with me and it was around 11:30am ~ 12:30pm. My intentions were to quickly take care of my work, and take my wife out for Sunday Dinner. As I traveled along Broadway Extension, I ran out of gasoline. I was able to take the 36th Street exit and then a right turn into the parking lot of a large church. My first thought was "what a blessing" even though running out of gas wasn't desirable, at least I had the good fortune to barely coast into a church parking lot at a time when several people were coming out to their cars.

As my wife and I stood by the stranded car with our gas can in hand, we watched as each of the cars and occupants left without even so much as a wave. I was a bit disappointed.

I was unfamiliar with the area, but I set out walking West on 36th Street. I was unsure as to which direction would be the best to find a gas station, so I hoped to be able to ask someone. Shortly I happened by a woman who was jogging. (I am professionally dressed and neat, if that matters). I kept a respectable distance so as not to make her nervous, and called out "Excuse me, Maam" several times, but she would not even acknowledge me. When it became obvious she was ignoring me on purpose, I moved on down 36th still heading west. I eventually happened upon a furniture store that was open. (It was very hot out). A clerk in the furniture store informed me that I would find a gas station 7 or 8 blocks (can't remember exactly) to the North. By the time I made it to the gas station, I was sweating heavily and exhausted. As I walked up to the pump carrying my gas can (wearing dress pants and a white dress shirt) I noticed a rough looking fellow putting some beer in the back of his Dodge pickup. As I approached, he shot me a smile and said, "Looks like you are having a rough day". As I acknowledged with a nod, he asked me if I needed some money. I was rather surprised at the unsolicited kindness of the stranger. I let him know that I had money, but I would sure appreciate a ride back to my car. He kindly obliged my request, and on the way back to the car I tried to give him $20 for his trouble, but he absolutely refused it.

This story may sound a bit negative, but I certainly do not intend it this way. I viewed it as a real learning experience because those that I assumed would help me didn't even seem to notice me, but the fellow I wouldn't have so much expected to help, really went out of his way to help. This really impressed upon me how important it is to not judge by appearance or preconceived notions.

Jolley
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