Jacob Lends a Hand

I ran into Jacob from the Old Crow Book Club and informed him that Dad had died and that I was moving on from Portland soon. There was still the substantial matter of handling Dad's estate, selling his house, and moving me, Elmer and my belongings to Coos Bay and make my long-desired return to the Oregon Coast.

Jacob said he was sorry for my loss and wished he could have met Dad. He said if there was anything he could do, just ask.

A homeless man wanted by the police for probation violations was offering to help me. It was an entirely authentic offer, too. I could see it in his face.

It took me all of one second to answer: yes, I could use your help.

I need someone to tack up posters for the impending moving sale.

I need someone to haul shit out of the basement.

I need someone to help me stage the moving sale.

I need someone to help me load my moving pod.

He said he'd do it. I said I'd pay him. He said he wouldn't take my money. I said you're getting paid. And there would be pizza and beer as payment as well (No Old Crow. You can't move heavy objects after drinking Old Crow.)

Jacob asked about the timeline. I provided one.

There was no doubt in my mind he would show up on time for each task. He had never let me down. He was always early to everything we'd done together in service of the homeless of Sellwood.

Yeah, the homeless man was always on time and every other person I know in Portland (except one, an author client) is typically late, often very late.

Someone should write a poem or song about that contrast.