Never give up

By Tim…

I would like to share a bright spot of my life with all of you and hopefully shine some light on opportunities for others.

Two years ago I saw a group of motorcycle riders escorting bicycle riders for the MS society. They were riding from a suburb of where I live to the Twin Cities, a 150 mile ride. I stopped and talked to a couple of them and asked about helping out. I was welcomed and the next day I joined them all for breakfast and finished out the ride with them. It was fun and we had some flat tires of bicyclists and some who dropped out. I was happy to be giving back to the community in a good way and helping an organization for a good cause.

This year I helped with the first ride of the year, again, that same ride from my area to the Twin Cities. After about two months I received a call from a MS leader who said that they unfortunately had to sever their ties with me as far as being a MC escort, but that I could still help out in other ways. Although those other ways were not told to me.

So jump forward to two weeks ago, my lead boss at one of the two jobs I have (although my second I don’t call work, I call it fun) suggested that I help out at a local event called the Tribute Fest to help raise money for homeless veterans. I already knew the person who produced the show and said heck ya. So yesterday after working the morning shift I went down and checked in to work the fest. Upon getting signed up and getting my shirt, we ran into my friend and producer Luis.

I was introduced to him, as the person who I was with did not know we knew each other. Luis said “yes I have a spot for him”. (Now keep in mind that my boss had a meeting with Luis the day before and suggested me as a person to help out) “but I need to talk to him in private first”.

I thought Oh here it comes, I’m getting the boot already, but instead he took me aside and told me that he had received a call from someone and that I had shown up on a web site ( I believe he was referring to the registry site) then said that the past is that, the past. I have done my time and it should not be held against me. He then proceeded to place me at the rear of the stage right where the beer tent and VIP stage entrance was, and said this was my spot. Not one out front where everyone could see me, but yet one of very high importance, due to the fact the people I’d be dealing with as VIP’s as well as the band members performing. I’d have to say I was a bit surprised that I was not assigned to watch the back gate / fence line. He also came by several times and checked on me and fist bumped me and shook my hand thanking me for helping out. I will be returning today, the final of a three day event to finish it out.

What I hope everyone’s take from this is, is that no matter how many times we get told NO, there are people out there that will say YES. We just need to keep trying and never give up. Yes it could be said but you knew Luis before hand, that is true but I have not seen or worked for Luis in about 25 years, and after he got the call from someone asking if I was working the event, he still gave me a spot.

I hope this brings some hope to all of you in our fight, although we may be told NO, we still fight on, to someday hearing that word YES. (the registry is going away, Yes we can be seen as regular citizens again, Yes I will rent to you, Yes you have the job, Yes, You’ve got the house. Stay positive and positive things with happen, push the negative away, and hang around positive people (adders in our lives)

Tim sexoffenderneedsajob@gmail.com