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Example: [Collected on the Internet, 2001] YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOWGood morning, said a woman as she walked up to the man sitting on theground.The man slowly looked up.This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coatwas new. She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life.His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so manyothers had done before.. Leave me alone, he growled.To his amazement, the woman continued standing.She was smiling — her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows. Areyou hungry? she asked.No, he answered sarcastically. I've just come from dining with thepresident. Now go away.The woman's smile became even broader. Suddenly the man felt a gentle handunder his arm.What are you doing, lady? the man asked angrily. I said to leave mealone.Just then a policeman came up. Is there any problem, ma'am? he asked.No problem here, officer, the woman answered. I'm just trying to getthis man to his feet. Will you help me?The officer scratched his head. That's old Jack. He's been a fixturearound here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?See that cafeteria over there? she asked. I'm going to get himsomething to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile.Are you crazy, lady? the homeless man resisted. I don't want to go inthere! Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. Letme go, officer. I didn't do anything.This is a good deal for you, Jack the officer answered. Don't blowit.Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer gotJack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It wasthe middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already leftand the lunch bunch had not yet arrived...The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table. What'sgoing on here, officer? he asked. What is all this, is this man introuble?This lady brought this man in here to be fed, the policeman answered.Not in here! the manager replied angrily. Having a person like thathere is bad for business..Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. See, lady. I told you so. Now if you'lllet me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place.The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. Sir, are youfamiliar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?Of course I am, the manager answered impatiently. They hold theirweekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms.And do you make a godly amount of money providing food at these weeklymeetings?What business is that of yours?I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company.Oh.The woman smiled again. I thought that might make a difference. Sheglanced at the cop who was busy stifling a giggle. Would you like to joinus in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?No thanks, ma'am, the officer replied. I'm on duty.Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?Yes, ma’am. That would be very nice.The cafeteria manager turned on his heel, I'll get your coffee for youright away, officer.The officer watched him walk away. You certainly put him in his place,he said.That was not my intent. Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this.She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She staredat him intently.. Jack, do you remember me?Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes. I think so -- Imean you do look familiar.I'm a little older perhaps, she said. Maybe I've even filled out morethan in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that verydoor, cold and hungry.Ma'am? the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such amagnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry.I was just out of college, the woman began. I had come to the citylooking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to mylast few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked thestreets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. Isaw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get somethingto eat.Jack lit up with a smile. Now I remember, he said.. I was behind theserving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for somethingto eat. I said that it was against company policy.I know, the woman continued. Then you made me the biggest roast beefsandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to goover to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get intotrouble... Then, when I looked over and saw you put the price of my foodin the cash register, I knew then that everything would be all right.So you started your own business? Old Jack said.I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I startedmy own business that, with the help of God, prospered. She opened her purse and pulled out a business card.. When you are finished here,I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons. He's the personnel director of mycompany. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something foryou to do around the office. She smiled. I think he might even find thefunds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes andget a place to live until you get on your feet. If you ever needanything, my door is always opened to you.There were tears in the old man's eyes. How can I ever thank you? hesaid.Don't thank me, the woman answered. To God goes the glory. ThankJesus. He led me to you.Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrancebefore going their separate ways.Thank you for all your help, officer, she said.On the contrary, Ms. Eddy, he answered. Thank you. I saw a miracletoday, something that I will never forget. And thank you for thecoffee.She frowned. I forgot to ask you whether you used cream or sugar. That's black.The officer looked at the steaming cup of coffee in his hand. Yes, I do take cream and sugar — perhaps more sugar than is good for me. He patted his ample stomach.I'm sorry, she said.I don't need it now, he replied smiling. I've got the feeling that this coffee you bought me is going to taste as sweet as sugar. Origins: We first encountered this tale of a woman named Penelope Eddy repaying a kindness to a homeless man who had once helped her when she was down and out in December 2008. The version circulated on the Internet appears to have been taken verbatim from the 2008 book Reminisces of Happy Times by Robert Wiley, where it appeared under the title The Lifestyle of a Street Man. However, since that book is a collection of humorous and inspirational pieces (many of which are known to be fictional) compiled by the author from other sources, it is neither the original source of this tale nor documentation of its literal truthfulness. Beyond that, we don't yet know where this story originated.
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