Wednesday, January 5, 2011

You're a Good Man Viking Dave!

Obviously I think my husband is pretty great, otherwise I wouldn't have married him. However, even if I look at him not as my husband, but only as a man, I think he is one of the most wonderful people in the world.
Some of you are familiar with Dave's business situation. He owns a coffee shop and he gets all kinds in here. I'm not trying to scare anyone away, but you can usually find more than a handful of down and outers hanging around. There is the group who comes over from one of the recovery centers down the road, there are the old guys who stay at the mission at night, but have no where to go during the day, and then you have some people who never talk to anyone but themselves so you don't really know their story. Most business owners would chase these people out the door before they could step in it.
Not my Dave, he not only gives these people a place of refuge, but he treats them like human beings, which a lot of people have forgotten they are. He talks to them and shows an interest in them and lets them know that he is here for them. He helps them on the computer if they need it, or anything else they may need help with.
I know he grows impatient sometimes, I can see it in his face. And even when he confides to me that he is going to 'stop being so nice' I know that he can't. He is who he is supposed to be, he can't help it, it's his nature.
He inspires me to be a better person, and I can't think of a single person other than Dave who I would want to be my son's role model of what a real man should be.
What I want to share with Dave (and everyone) is this....your kindness can save people. That young man who I'm sure was interrupting your game tonight....he had no one else to talk to, nobody else in this world cares where he is right now or if he's safe, healthy, and fed. You gave him a precious gift that cost you nothing. I know you were getting a little annoyed, but the point is that he didn't know it, all he knew was that for a few minutes somebody was treating him the way a human being should be treated.
He is just one example, I see you do this with people over and over everyday. It doesn't go unnoticed, and maybe, hopefully, by your example others will decide to open themselves up a little bit more. We could really use more people like you in this world.

18 comments:

Kathleen Jennette said...

I feel blessed just to read this about your guy! You are so right though... kindness goes so far that some people can live on that forever alone. Something just as little as a wink of an eye will do it too. Cheers to Viking Dave... and you too! Can't wait to get up there and see you two-three.

Glassman said...

You're right. Dave's kind and giving ways are inspiring for those of us that get a chance to see him in action. I believe that's one of the reasons he went virtually unscathed in his last adventure down south. We need more people like him around. You two are very fortunate to have each other.

Lady R (Di) said...

What a remarkable man your hubby is. Your right about living by example. You can do more good that way than you realize. Congratulations on finding such a prize!

I'll second KT's sentiments:
Cheers to Viking Dave... may he live long, and prosper!

Webster World said...

You are so right and Dave is an example to others. O moment a kind word. Priceless as they say.

Mr. Motorcycle said...

What a great tribute to Dave. Thanks for sharing. I'm glad I know him, even if only through blogging.

mq01 said...

EXCELLENT! i can just picture it too. i love that in our times and world, that good people still exist and can find one another. cheers and happy new year!

FLHX_Dave said...

Wow...and here I was thinking I'm an asshole most of the time. Strange how we see ourselves differently than someone outside of ourselves see us. Thank you for letting me be who I was meant to be because that is the greatest gift.

I'm not sure what to say, except I love yah and thanks. I'm almost embarrassed, but thank you all the same...for everything.

Big Daddy said...

Geeeez! I show up one time...and I get called a vagrant....but I got free coffee..;]

Baron's Life said...

A true testament to love and to human kindness. This world needs more people like you and Dave.
God Bless You two

Learning to Golf said...

Great tribute to a great guy. I'm happy that I have had the good fortune to meet both of you and to call you friends.

Ann said...

Very nice, BB. But Dave's customer service skills need work. ;)

Dean "D-Day" said...

Boy, I'm gonna have to start paying Karen to do nice write-ups about me too. LOL!!

Tough guy, big heart...
I knew it.

IHG said...

See...there is a Santa and he's living in Sunny California! Bravo Dave!!!

WooleyBugger said...

Your wonderful BB, just what old Dave needed.

It's alright to be a little embarrassed sometimes Dave, it let's you know your doing good...as BB says.

Ya know, one day I'm going to meet you both in person for hugs, betcha just can't wait for that eh.

GYMONR said...

What I want to know is...Where is the coffee shop located, so we can stop by on one of our many trips and say hello.
Big Al

Twitch said...

You know, it's amazing how one little post like this can ruin a guy's rep that he's been building up for years ;-P

Gary France said...

Great post B.B.

You are lucky to have such a great guy, and he is lucky to have you as well. I enjoyed coming to the coffee shop to meet you both, even though the first thing Dave did was to shout at me!

Take care you two.

motorcycle accessories said...

Your husband is very generous and a good man, keep it up you inspire us and I hope change our lives to give without expecting anything in return.