You never quite know who you might meet in the middle of your darkest days, as one man from North Miami found out.
James Fox, who has partial and malformed arms and legs, was homeless and skateboarding to his mom’s house when a truck stopped in the middle of traffic and a man asked him if he wanted a ride.
This man was Dan Creighton, who was just doing his good deed for the day, and he had no idea of James’ backstory.
James had dealt with anxiety and depression since his early teens. He’d been on every medication under the sun, and had spoken with therapists and psychiatrists, but nothing helped.
After attempting to take his own life, James managed to get back on track and started work as a software developer. But he couldn’t keep it up, and he eventually began to self-medicate and drink too much.
By the time James crossed paths with Dan Crieghton, he admitted he was “nearly helpless”.
Dan, who’s a chief executive officer of Creighton Construction and Development, had seen James around for a few years.
With him being concerned for James’ safety, Dan decided, after a quick discussion with his son Stone, that they should try and help.
James didn’t admit that he was homeless, and turned down Dan’s offer to get him an electric wheelchair.
He simply told Dan and Stone that he was on his way to his mom’s house. Dan relented, telling James to call him if he needed anything. But James didn’t call, and Dan didn’t think he’d see the young man again.
Dan, however, was unable to stop thinking about their encounter. Speaking on Humankind, he admitted:
“He inspired me, how is this guy so content.”
He went out in search of James two weeks later, but couldn’t find him. He thought that was that – James must have moved on.
But two years later, Dan saw James waiting for the bus.
He didn’t hesitate to pull over and ask if James wanted a ride. James remembered Dan, and admitted that he was on his way to the Social Security office for help.
James was currently trying to fight being evicted from his own home for not being able to pay his rent.
What Dan didn’t know at the time was that James had no family support anymore. Both his mom and dad had died after the pair had first met.
Despite knowing next to nothing about him, Dan drove James to his office and wrote him a check for $10,000.
Since then, James has become like a member of Dan’s family, and has joined a sobriety program at his local church. He’s even started up on his main passion, computer work, once more.
Dan even bought James a condo in South Point Villas, just across from the church he attends. He surprised him with a housewarming party and invited everyone who had grew to know and love James over the years.
The home is completely accessible as the floors flow throughout, so James can use his skateboard to get about.
There were balloons, gifts, a “Welcome Home James” cake, and a bug buffet table full of food. The fridge was also fully stocked, according to James.
Dan also created a GoFundMe for James, called “Let’s Make 2020 James Fox’s Best Year Yet”. The target was set at $2,000, but it has already surpassed $10,000.
James’ is now settling into his new home, and knows he has a lot to thank his friend for. He said:
“I love you, Dan, and I really can never repay the way you have changed my life with your kindness and generosity.”
You can learn more about this heartwarming story by clicking “play” on the video just below.
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