Saturday, August 9, 2008

Down in the Dumps at the Pumps

Last week, I was at the gas pump, where I had just finished filling up and I was checking my right rear blinker (because I had that fast blink thing going on), when and a man walked over from the next pump over. "'Scuse me, I'm terribly embarrassed to have to ask this, but could I borrow a couple dollars for gas?" he asked. He went on to explain that he was trying to get home to Elgin, was running on fumes, and had no cash. Of course I was skeptical, but he looked honest enough and seemed sober, a little dingy, but probably just off from working a hard job. So I thought, sure, I'll do a good deed. Paying it Forward, like in that movie. Or a What Would Jesus Do? kind of thing, like on those bracelets.

I had used my card to pay at the pump, so I wasn't even sure if I had a couple of dollars to give the guy. I peeked into my wallet, where I had a twenty and a five. I told him I would need to get change. He was very appreciative and said he'd go use the bathroom while waiting. I went in to get change for a five. As I stood in line I couldn't help thinking about what a cheap-skate I was for not just giving him the five dollar bill. I mean, gas is over $3.50 a gallon anyway and I'm certainly blessed enough not to miss $5.

Nevertheless, I went back outside and gave the guy...four dollars. He was very appreciative and apologetic for having to even ask for it. He pumped his gallon of gas while I continued to fiddle with my burned out blinker. This worked out well, as I was actually able to confirm that he was buying gas and not beer, and I felt a little guilty about not trusting someone who is just less fortunate than most of us. As he drove off, he leaned out his window and thanked me again. I felt pretty good about my good deed, but a little guilty about going to the trouble of breaking a five dollar bill and only giving him four dollars. When I drove off a few minute later I had to circle around his pump, where I noticed that he only pumped $2 worth of gas. Hmmm.

4 comments:

Rick said...

One of those things where you probably need to give the benefit of the doubt. You gave in good faith, work out whether $4 or $5 was right or not - but you've got to trust whoever gets that "gift" to also act in good faith, and if not, no worry. That one's on them if not. You did well, grasshoppah.

Kyle said...

2 bucks for gas and 2 bucks for a Bull Master Cylinder make for a smooth trip to Elgin.

Alan said...

5 dollars would have made you seem "superior" in that situation. 3 dollars, plain cheap. 4 was the correct choice. You are wise...

James said...

Ah, yes, the old "running on fumes" ploy...