I was cruising down the interstate the other day, coming home from work. I had stopped by the grocery store to pick up some food. Anyhow, I saw a man walking down the road, with his pack, and a sign on his pack that said "I'm flat broke and hungry". I wasn't too far from my turn, but I figured I could take the next turn and give him at least a few miles worth of sit down time. I stopped, he got in and we drove on down the road. He was grateful for the ride, said he was headed to montana. He told me that he had walked from council bluffs without anyone stopping, which is quite the trek from where I picked him up. Anyway, we got to the exit, I dropped him off and gave him a few botles of gaterade and water. After I left, it had dawned on me that I had just bought food and had enough that I could spare a meal. I figured he wouldn't mind a hot meal, a bath, and a couch to rest his bones on. Figured I could drop him back at the same spot in the morning. I turned around and started headin back to where I dropped him at, then it dawned on me that I have a family at home, and my wife and two children are at home alone all day everyday and that this seemingly nice man could be a deranged lunatic who could wait untill I left for work, make his way back to my house and do naughty things to my family. So I didn't pick him back up, but I kinda felt guilty for not helping a brother in need. Do you think I made the right call?
I honestly don't know which part of popular culture has gotten such fear of strangers into our heads. Maybe we've all seen "The Hitcher" way too many times. Rutger Hauer is one intimidating hitchhiker. I'm not saying that you made the wrong call, it's completely up and you and your call of judgment.... plus, you have a family... and your first instinct is to protect them from whatever harm... It's just sad for me to see how much we fear each other... yes, every one in a couple of million poor hitchhikers goes on a murder spree... but hell... you're a million times more likely to die from a million other things... might as well help a stranger. At the same time... you already did a good thing. You gave him a ride, you gave him that water and gatorade and so on... you shouldn't feel bad, you did a good thing. I'd say, next time you have the opportunity and you're feeling generous... buy the guy some lunch at a restaurant or something. This way you don't have to expose him to your family, and you can help a brother out a bit more at the same time.
Yes. Nothing wrong with being protective over your family I suppose. And you already helped him a bit out, unlike all the other people who drove by while he walked all that miles.
Well you did help him - Gave him a ride and some water. Not alot of people do but you should trust your 'gut feeling' and common sence. You do have a family and you'd never know what he could of done. I say you made the right call.
I drive truck and see the thumbs out there atleast 10x a day while on my runs. I give a lift to alot of people, have paid for there showers, meals, clothes and even some cash. For the most part people are good but I think too much negative is focused on by the media than positive. Seems negative sells more. People seem to enjoy seeing others suffer far more than they wish to see others getting life changing positive events. You did right, trust your instincts and do what you feel comfortable doing.
I don't think it's fear of other people that creates the protectiveness over our family and homes, I think it's just intstinct. I think your judgement was completely sound.
Movies these days depict so many deviant maniacs as lovable, sweet people first, before they unleash their depravity, that it is easy to imagine that even the nicest person, could change in an instant from nice to not so nice. I have noticed that single people don't have their guard up as much about hitchhikers, but since I have had a family, I have gotten alot more cautious about strangers. People have picked me up hitchhiking and taken me home and offered a shower and a hot meal, and I appreciated it so much, that it really is a hard call, and a sad one that we can not just let our hearts lead us on helping our fellow man.
Unfortunately, there are bad people out there. Its not just in the movies. I think you did the right thing. You helped out but protected your family. All anyone can do is what they can do.
I think you did alright. You did help him out some after all. You asked yourself a question, & your guts answered you. I know from past experience that any person "out there" with half a brain knows in the back of their mind that you have to ask yourself those tough questions before you lend a helping hand. Hell, you never know..That may have even made him uncomfortable. He could've possibly even turned you down had you offered.... Either way, you did make a difference with what help you gave.
no i think you were wrong. your first thought was admirable,your second was that of a paranoid sheep. at the very least you coulda took him to your house for a couple hours,long enough to get a shower an some food. after all, you considered it. so now ya get to live with your descision,wich its obvious ya already regret. if ya didnt there would be no need for this thread...
