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| America�s Lonely Highways Robert H. Gilbert, Jr. 10 July, 1992 |
| I was traveling down America�s highway one afternoon in my big rig, and decided to find a a Truck stop to get a few hours of rest. Usually I try to find a Truck stop in the direction I was going, but for some reason I chose a Truck stop on the left. I pulled in and found a place to park. I set my brakes and decided to read the newspaper before going to sleep. I was beginning to read the first page when I looked up and noticed a sort of Hobo looking guy wondering over to my truck. I said, �Oh No, another Bum�. He was unshaven, clothes were wrinkled and filthy, and not taken a bath in months. He must have used his pants as a pillow at night. That�s how bad he looked. He was not carrying too much luggage with him, just a bag full of dirty clothes. I wondered how he made out on the cold winter nights.. |
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| He came over to my truck and asked is he could borrow (I should say bum), some money for a cup of coffee. I asked him, �How long you been seeing this great country of ours. He said, � At first it was a walk around the block, then it was two blocks, then finally I just kept walking and never looked back�. Why he had left he really did not know, but he had left and wife and son at home. He had been gone now for about 5 years, so his son should be about 17. I just shook my head and gave him some money for some coffee. He started walking away, and for some reason I called him back and gave him some more money for food, shower. I said, �You will never know when a job opportunity might come your way�. Though I doubt he would take it. He�s been free for too long. He thanked me for the extra money and headed for the restaurant. |
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