Griffin Speaks

A few months ago I received a call from a close friend. My friend said, "Griffin I have someone that I think you would be interested in meeting." My friend was aware of my concern for the homeless. He knew that I felt very strongly that in America it's a disgrace that we have people without homes.

Over the years we have seen an increase in homelessness. This is true in part because of the stagnant or falling incomes and poor jobs with little security and benefits. Our low-wage earners have been particularly affected. We have seen a great disparity between those who have and those who have nothing. We have seen people that work everyday who can not escape poverty. However, some people are homeless because of substance abuse.

My wife, Debra has long known of my desire to do something about the homeless problem in America and Montgomery in particular. I would finally get an opportunity to do something about it. My friend introduced me to a homeless, blue eyed, stringy haired white man. He said "Griffin, this is your chance to practice what you preach."

When I met the homeless man I learned that he was sleeping on the floor at the Montgomery Salvation Army. I also learned that he had an engineering degree from Perdue University. He spoke impeccable English. You could immediately tell that he was a brilliant man.

I rented him a two bedroom, 1 bath apartment without a credit check or deposit so that I could help him. I put the utilities in my name so that I could help him manage his affairs with the expectation that I would be able to rehabilitate him. Soon I realized that his problem was his love for Wild Irish Rose. My new friend was an alcoholic who had hit rock bottom!

Soon I realized that this homeless man was a GENIUS! He is a master electrician, master plumber, master carpenter, master painter and a master at anything that he does. I have never met a more brilliant man!
Despite his brilliance he has fallen victim to alcohol and a few other mind-altering substances I suspect. He is an independent contractor; I pay him for each job that he performs. It's not long after I pay him and he is totally broke begging for more money. It is truly amazing what substance abuse can do to a man.

My homeless friend is so skillful that I often refer to him as a Genie. He reminds me of the genie in the popular television sitcom "I Dream of Jeannie" starring Larry Hagman as Major Nelson and Barbara Eden as Jeannie. In that sitcom Major Nelson found a 1964 Jim Bean Christmas decanter that housed a genie that gave him his every wish. In real life I have found a genie in a Wild Irish Rose bottle. My desire is to help my genie sober up, return to his wife and three kids and live a normal happy life. Sometimes God sends people in our life for a season. I pray and hope that this person is only for a season. I pray that I can help him overcome his substance abuse. I realize that, "But for the Grace of God there go I."

GREG GRIFFIN IS A FREELANCE WRITER. YOU CAN READ HIS PREVIOUS ARTICLES BY LOGGING ON TO HIS WEBPAGE AT WWW.GREGGRIFFIN.COM