I was a State Farm Claims Adjuster for a few years and the most touching encounter Ive ever had was this story. I was adjusting a claim in Lafayette, La after Hurricane Lilly. I went to a residence and met with the homeowner. I notice there were and extraordinary collection of John Deere toy tractors that filled every shelf in the entire home. I ask the homeowner who would collect that many toy Tractors. He told me it was his sons collection. He is 11 years and has M S and it was his hobby. I proceeded with the claim as to determine the extent of damage cause by the Hurricane. There was considerable damage to interior and exterior of the home. I noticed the wheel chair ramp had considerable damage also. The homeowner told me it was for his sons wheel chair. I worked the estimate and it was over my draft authority. I went back and knocked on the door, the door opened and the young boy of 11 with MS invited me in. He was handsome young man with sandy blonde hair. I was observing how his little arms and little legs were just wasting away. I was beside myself and concerned at how he could cope but his spirit was something to behold. I explained the estimate to his dad and explained to him that I was going to turn it in to the SF. When the check was made out I would personally bring it to him. He thanked me and I left. I couldnt help but think about that little boy and what he must be going through for the rest of his little life. So sad to see this, Tears were in my eyes all the way back to the office. I was thinking just how fortunate my family and friends were, not to have such a burden as this. My Son in Law, Michael Rollins was with me on this storm. We went to eat at a resturant that night in a little town called Scott, La just outside Lafayette. We were eating that great Cajun food ( Sea Food ) After we finished our wonderful meal, I went to the register to pay the ticket. I looked around at their decor and notice on the shelf behind me, there was a small rusty cast iron tractor, wouldnt you know it. It was an antique John Deere tractor. I ask the cashier, is that little tractor for sale; she said it wasnt. I ask to see the manager, he came to the register, I ask the same question he said it wasnt. I told him I would give him a $100 or $200, I didnt care how much it was. He ask why I wanted, I explained what I was going to do with it. He said give me $25, I did and left. I brought that little tractor home had it bead blasted, went to a JD dealer and bought the JD green and yellow. I brought it to my wife Linda, she took her time hand painting it with all the colors in the right places. It looked like it just came off the shelf at a store. I went back down to Lafayette with my prize after the weekend at home. I went to the SF office he next morning and ask about the check, it was ready. I picked it up and drove to the PH home and presented the check to him. At this time I told him I also had something for his son. After looking at the entire collection he had, I didnt see one as old as the one I purchased. I went back to my truck and retrieved it, when I got to the door, this presious little man met me once again. I brought the little tractor out from behind my back and handed it to him and said to him Merry Chrismas my little friend. It was really hard for me to keep my composure but I still had tears. He looked up at me and with his little frail arms and excepted my gift to him. Tears were in his eyes when he thanked me for a tractor he had always wanted. Moral is this: Never Ever think that a child does not appreciate a gift they have dreamed about but couldnt have for some reason or other. Always be kind to the less fortunate because one day it may one of us. Hope everyone enjoys this true story. To this day, I do not know what condition that little presious man. I know exactly where his parents live and when I go back to Scott, La. I will stop to see.
Posted on: Sun, 17 Nov 2013 16:58:02 +0000
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