Month: March 2022

About a year and a half ago I was in a horrible situation. My girlfriends drinking was out of control and she was attacking me verbally and physically. I was trapped, looking for work in an unfavorable market during the pandemic.

Too embarrassed to ask my family and friends for help, I posted here explaining my situation (I’ve since deleted it) and that I just needed a job to get out. I’m a 6’1 220 pound veteran and my hair was thining out and turning gray and I was sliding into depression. Not knowing when her next rampage would start was the worst.

I prepared for the worst. I expected to be ridiculed, lectured, trolled. I was seriously fucking wrong. So many of you recommended jobs to me, gave my resume to your manager, offered supportive words, places to stay. I had so many DMs I couldn’t answer them all. You guys reversed her gaslighting and reassured me over and over there was nothing wrong with how I was feeling or asking for help.

When the ice storm hit, I was on a ladder hanging drywall from a burst pipe and she decided that I “didn’t love her” and kicked me off the ladder. I finally just grabbed the cat, my grandads war medals, a few clothes and other things, shoved them into my car and went to live with a buddy in San Antonio. Everything else I lost. Tools, furniture, kitchenware. They were just things that can be replaced.

A few weeks later I finally got a job in MN. Turns out it sucked, but a month ago I got picked up by a great company and this is the best job I’ve ever had.

I finally got to where I needed to go. And I will never forget how Houston did everything they could to help. I think about all the other places I’ve lived, and I don’t think any of them would come close to matching your selflessness and concern for someone you only knew as alcoholic wombat. I will make it back to Texas some day when it’s in the cards. Partially because the food up here fucking sucks.

So a year and a half later, I’ve gotten past the depression, got into a dream job and Thursday I am going on my first date since all that with a Czech accountant with the hottest accent and prettiest smile I’ve ever seen.

Thanks, Houston, for helping a stranger get there. If I ever win the lottery I’m renting out astroworld for a weekend and fucking open bar, crawfish and BBQ for all of you