I met James “Shorty” three weeks ago. He brightened my life the moment I met him. We talked for a while, and I was blown away that, although he’s in pain every day of his life, he made me smile and laugh with his awesome sense of humor.
I went with James to sell his paper and to find out what he’s all about on Sept. 26. I was expecting to be bored out of my mind, to be honest. But instead, I had a blast and laughed all day. His clients want to know how he is and what he needs to survive. I saw many clients stop just to have a conversation with him and leave laughing and happy on their way to work. His clients genuinely care about his well-being.
James lets his clients know about his pain and his accomplishments. When he told them he got an apartment, they were ecstatic that he was no longer homeless. They then wanted to know what he needed for his new apartment. The love for James is real y’all! And, the love that James has for his clients is pure. He worries about the ones he hasn’t seen in a while, just like they worry about him. He is adored by many, as he should be.
James has taught me that no matter pain, sickness, rain, sleet, or snow we should “suit up and show up.” James follows this manta, keeping right on his daily promise to clients: “I will see you tomorrow.”
I’ve witnessed his pain and sickness and I suggested he stay home. James replied, “ I have to go to work. I promised my clients I would give them the new issue today.” He is a man of his word. No matter how he feels or how awful the weather is, he will show up and work. Through his example, James has given me the tools to be a successful paper vendor. His type of dedication is something that others should live by.