One Man's Trash

I never ever thought I would have spent my Monday at a place like this...


Now I am not going to share this story with you for sympathy but to tell you that caring and kindness can go a long way when you are having a horrible few days.

Last week as I was getting ready for work, I realized some of our valuables were missing, including our watches. After searching every imaginable place, we finally figured out that the bag they were in was thrown out during the move.  I seriously started bawling and got sick to my stomach. It was a feeling I never want to experience again. 

Aaron called our old apartment complex and the dumpster was luckily still there. After hours of making calls, it was decided that we would have to wait until Monday before the trash could be scheduled for pickup.

Advanced Disposal, the company that owned the complex's dumpster, was unbelievable! From the customer service rep to the dispatcher, everyone knew our story. Come Monday, we got a call to meet the trash truck at the apartment to follow him to the trash transfer station. 

Following the truck on I-285, I felt my stomach drop. What if we couldn't find this bag? Aaron was met at the transfer station with a hard hat, vest and gloves and they got to work, searching through the trash. The smell was indescribable, although I tried to act nonchalant. After about five minutes, Aaron looked down at his feet and spotted the bag. We opened it up and our watches were in perfect condition! Can I get a hallelujah!!!

If you are still reading after all that, my point is that the trash company did not have to help us at all. They could have just had a "tough luck" attitude and moved on. Well they didn't, they actually pulled all the stops to help us out, and we aren't even paying customers. It really made me think, do I help everyone I can? Do I normally just move on if the outcome doesn't benefit me? 

The workers don't have the most glamorous job but they are great people. They all wanted to see our watches after we pulled them out of trash. Going the extra mile makes a big difference so maybe you should help someone out the next time the occasion occurs. I know from now on I am going to try.