Life Is Strange
Somebody I know became a signaler on the railroad. Some time ago he got very drunk after hearing that his father was in hospital. He was still drunk when he woke up the next morning but, having been in trouble about his bad attendance record, he went to work regardless.
I suppose he still smelled of alcohol because he was subjected to a breathalyser test and found to be under the influence of alcohol. He does not say so but it is possible that they had been watching him for a while because he has always been a bit heavy on the bottle.
After being fired, he appealed and managed to be re-instated on the grounds that he had been suffering from depression for years. He got away with being suspended without pay for two months but in addition he was demoted and his personnel file was marked as never to be employed as a signaler again.
Now he learned that the hearing of his case is public record and is posted on the Internet. All this, together with living alone, made him very bitter and at times he drowns himself in alcohol.
At times I feel very sorry for him but then other times, when I see his abrasive attitude to others, I feel he brought it onto himself.
It is not for me to judge him but am I wrong to feel this way?
Comments (59)
I'm afraid I do not know the circumstances. As I said, he is not a friend; merely somebody I know. However I do know that he did attend a few counseling sessions after the incident. Whether he completed this I do not know.
It is a mistake he made fifteen years ago. I cannot condemn him for that. It could have happened to anybody.
It is the way he now blames the rest of the world for what happened then that worries me. Maybe he should accept responsibility for his own deeds and look the world square in the eyes again.
I can feel a relationship to that man because I became severely depressed by getting knocked around in life. And by that I mean beginning from an early age by parents and/or siblings. That is what I see in this man.
I will pray for him and the Holy Spirit will comfort him.
Sir,
there are two approaches to study and eradicate the problem by reformation.
There is another to help somebody to rehabilitate.
I commend both but the latter is emergency.
Thank you. Yes do that.
I think he may be a non-believer but then God help them too.
I cannot really elaborate as he is not a friend and when we have contact it is always a very on-sided affair. I can only hope his family is concerned about his well being for friends he no longer has.
I do not think you are wrong for feeling that way. We as humans have a right to feel anyway we want. At least at this time. :)
Now if your behavior toward him was shaped by your feelings, that may change things a bit. For example, if he drank alcohol because of a legitimate medical reason (side effect of depression, alcoholic, etc.) and you behaved negatively toward him because of that, I would say that may not be right.
But to feel a certain way, without interfering in his life, that would be fine. I think...
With that all being said, very often the way we feel about something or somebody, does affect our actions toward that object.
I try not to interfere with anybody's life. I would only interfere if his lifestyle had a negative impact on mine. Which is obviously not the case here.
Welcome to my blog.
Yes, there is nothing I hate to say more than 'I told you so', but there are times one have to say it. But then if he did not listen the first time, he probably won't listen the second time.
What is up with you. You promised me that you won't smoke that funny stuff again.
It is too bad for that man...hopefully he will be able to move on...admitting a mistake and being sorry is part of healing...it is up to him how he sees it...
Yes, we could say that, but it does not solve the problem.
This happened about fifteen years ago. He must must be about ready for retirement. If not retired yet. I do not see him that often.
It is my sentiment too, but sometimes I cannot help feeling sorry for him.
But you are right. I don't believe in 'accidents'. There is always a 'human error' or 'act of God' in every accident or disaster.