African Prepay

“It always pays to be nice to people”

-Keith Merrill

African Prepay

“When we were living in Africa we made it a practice to give to the beggars we would see near our home.” Keith explained to me.

We were sitting in his living room sharing stories.  I hadn’t seen Keith or his wife Diane for more than twenty years.  This rainy, cool Saturday was the perfect opportunity for us to spend time inside and catch up.  I was wrapped in the warmth of our relationship while being enthralled by the current story.

“The people there would have to work a full twelve-hour day to make one dollar so our gift of a quarter was a large gift.  When we gave the first coin we noticed that the man we gave it to immediately crossed the street and shared it with another man who was unable to walk due to his childhood bout with polio. We were surprised at the way they shared with each other.” Keith explained.

Over time, the Merrills became friends and neighbors with these men.  They would talk together when they were walking the neighborhood.  When they drove their car they would wave and give each other broad smiles.  On one such day there was a BMW at the stop sign in front of them and as it began to pull forward Keith also began to proceed.  As he did so he looked up and waived to his friends wishing them a happy day. But before he could lower his waiving arm, his car came to an abrupt stop.  He had run into the care in front of him.

The man driving the other car jumped out and began to yell.  He was angry and his temper was broiling. 

Keith and Diane stood listening to the impossible to understand words streaming from the mouth in front of them.  It was a difficult situation.  They had fears of violence because of similar storied they had become acquainted with.  Things were escalating and then, without notice, they heard a familiar voice to their side.

Their neighbors had rushed over to their aid! They spoke to their countryman, translated and reassured.  Then, as quickly as the situation had developed, it was over.  The other drive abruptly turned, got into his car and sped away! 

“We were stunned!  Our friends then explained that they had seen the whole thing. ‘We saw what he did.  We told him we knew he had done it on purpose in an attempt to extort money.’ They said.”

Then in his characteristic way Keith looked directly in my eyes and said, “It always pays to be nice to people!”