Troubled times can bring out the best in people or the worst in people.In this case it's the former.Because of the economic slump,someone had to be let go from the two man computer department at a small South Carolina College.Mike Camp,father of four young kids,including an autistc son,prayed it wasn't him.It didn't look good for Mike,as his co-worker,Ralph Hanahan, had seniority.
Mike had only been on the job for eleven years and Ralph had been there for 22.
Then Ralph did a wonderful thing;he gave up his job so that his friend would be spared his.
"I can get through this better than you",he told his friend."I don't want your family to make this sacrifice - you need the money for your kids,and Aaron's therapy."
Mike and his wife Lorrie can't get over the extremely generous act of kindness."No one has ever been that kind to us.It's an incredible sacrifice,but that's the kind of guy Ralph is."
"We have had to convert a room for Aaron's therapy.We have to hire therapists and buy books and gadgets.It would be a devastating blow to lose my job and my medical insurance right now."
"Ralph insisted on doing this.He told me,"I love your family and they are so vulnerable."Ralph is very fond of little Aaron."
The college accepted his resignation and within days Mike was helping his friend pack his belongings.They hugged and Mike thanked him from the bottom of his heart,both of them in tears.Ralph was 55 years of age and out of work with few or no prospects in sight.Mike watched Ralph drive away for the last time and wondered what was in store for his loyal friend.
There are still good people in the world.It's important for us to remember that.
