Everyday after school, I'd make a point to talk to the janitor before I left. When I graduated, he gave the best gift I've ever gotten. "This is for being my friend," he said.

AnzacNewfie · 1 year

As a janitor in a small school I can tell you thank you from him. I am a part time trapper (in the woods killing cute animals...yeah I know) and I look the part. They call me "The Crazy Janitor" and I dont really mind that I I do look like a nutcase with my long beard. But some kids actually asked me what kind of music I like, and after telling them that I have recorded 2 C.D's, live all over the world, and generally have had an interesting life, they started to actually come to me for advice. I swear at the kids, I tell them jokes, I listen to their (new) jokes and tell them the punchlines before they get to the. But the mean kids can ruin my day. I've been to jail, traveled through War Zones, smuggled drugs and dealt with lots of generally disgusting people in my life so I just treat the tough ones with indifference, and try to help the good ones. You are a good person, and thats all you need to be in life. You win.

reidm · 1 year

Here's what the writing says, to save you some time:

Bless you. You will get to the very tip top of life. I also thank you for being friendly and giving a nice smile to make someone day also that's a God send.

I wrote this Daily Confession for you. Remember when the hard time's is over doing that time the cloud of Blessing was still under your feet, always have(?) the faith in God for being nice and meek.

It's real I call myself wealthy and prosperous. I proclaim that I have the necessary finances to do everything that God has called me to do with enough in store to bless others.

"Father God I honor you by putting you first in life in my finances. Giving you my best in tithes and offerings. I thank you that you supply all of my need according to your riches in glory by Christ Jesus, and grant the desires of my heart. You are bringing me into my wealthy place. You are opening the windows of heaven and pouring me out a blessing until it overflows. Because according to the Word of God, I declare that money cometh to the body of Christ, and money cometh to me for the sake of the gospel. I am laying a foundation, and God is pouring this word into my life.

Be cover by the blood of Jesus Christ [signature]

The_Swazzler · 1 year

That's awesome. Your heart is true you're a pal and a confidant.

sunghan · 1 year

Reminds me of my elementary school's janitor, Tom. He was an awesome guy. We'd always trade candies and snacks with each other. Seems childish now, but I would always go to school early so I can see what I could trade for. It made my mornings just that more exciting. I found out in High School that he passed away from cancer. RIP, Tom.

newwife · 1 year

I used to talk to my elementary school janitor all the time; my father was a fuckfaced loser in prison, so this man was like a father figure to me. I made sure to speak to him everyday, help him with cleaning, and I'll always remember his happy, smiling face.

My dad got out of prison eventually and sexually molested me. I was taken away from the city and to this day, I wonder how the janitor is doing, if he's still alive (he must have been in his 50's at the time, 10 years ago). I only remember his first name :( He probably wouldn't even remember me but I'd always wanted to thank him for being such a happy guy, if that makes sense at all.

Edit: thanks so much for all your kind words. I've left a message with the school with my name and information and they said they would try their best to forward them. Oddly enough, there is a secretary that works there who remembers me, and started crying when she realized who was on the phone. I may just take the 7 hour trip to visit.

Edit 2: Not sure if any of you will see this, but I received a response from the principle of my former school. I'll hope for the best!

[newwife],

I don’t know of a custodian named Charlie. Our school is not is session right now; however, when they return I can ask some teachers that have been here awhile who might know if he is still in the district. It is good to know what a difference he made in your life. It makes us realize that it is not just teachers who can make the difference here at school. Thank you for emailing, and if I can find out any further information when school begins, I will let you know.

Judy

whatwasmyoldpassword · 1 year

Thank you for sharing. I've got a mailman to say hi to.

ErikF · 1 year

The fact that your kindness affected him enough that he would paint something for you is pretty remarkable. I say to heck with the naysayers, it shows you have already made a good start at doing this whole living a decent life thing.

Plus it is a pretty great example of outsider art.

haste75 · 1 year

What does the text say? It's quite hard to read as it is

quotesthething · 1 year

You guys think I'm just some untouchable peasant? Serf? Peon? Huh? Maybe so, but following a broom around after shitheads like you for the last 8 years, I've learned a couple of things. I look through your letters. I look through your lockers. I listen to your conversations. You don't know that but I do. I am the eyes and ears of this institution, my friends.

willthewinner · 1 year

Yeah. sweet. Unless that painting is of you in your wedding dress leaning on the trapdoor into his basement.

just saying.

sweet though.

backflip10019 · 1 year

And then he solved an almost impossible algebraic graph theory problem.

Astronauts · 1 year

As a janitor myself, this warms my heart. You done good.

Osiris32 · 1 year

I used to talk to the janitor when I was in junior high. I thought he was a cool guy, he played guitar a lot and we used to talk music. Everyone else thought I was weird for talking to him, however they changed their minds during the 8th grade graduation ceremony. The Janitor, Tech Ed teacher, and Comp Sci teacher all got up, put on long wigs, and ripped out a rendition of Machine Head that blew everyone away. There's a lesson here, folks, even those in "menial" jobs are still people, with talents, skills, desires, wishes, and experiences. Talk to them, you may find something interesting.

hanofgreengables · 1 year

This is awesome! I went to a Sacred Heart school too!

chimarya · 1 year

People forget that no matter what you do for a living - each of us is a human being and have hidden gifts. That was kind of you to befriend him. An amazing heartfelt gift. Thanks for sharing your story.

BeeCDN · 1 year

You're a Sacred Heart girl! Me too. Although the janitor at my school wasn't exactly what you'd call 'sociable' - He hated chatting to us!

bunckachunk · 1 year

Sacred Heart Schools baby!!!

f1zombie · 1 year

Good going my friend. I always try to talk to as many people I can, and it adds to my understanding and awareness of the world we live in.

Incidentally what does the text at the bottom right say?

bunckachunk · 1 year

Sacred Heart Schools baby!!! Which one is this?

Kijamon · 1 year

What a good egg you are

degc75 · 1 year

good on you for treating everyone with diginity and respect.

desquibnt · 1 year

My school rotated janitors up through the schools so they'd always be with the same groups of kids. When I was in elementary school, one of the janitors was a younger guy that would come out and play football with us during recess. By the time we all got to high school, he was practically a father figure to us all.

i think it's a bit easier to understand kids and be cool to them when you're watching them grow up instead of cleaning up messes for 4th graders every day for 20 years. I'd imagine it'd be easier to get bitter that way.

Vandii · 1 year

I did that as well. During my last year of highschool, while restocking the vending machines, the school custodian would take a couple bags of chips out and pass them along to me during my spares. At one point he really enjoyed Adele's new song, so I went out and got him her new CD and dropped it off at the janitor's closet for him. Everyone looked at me a little funny when I told them that the CD was for him, usually replying to me with comments such as "Wow, you talk to the custodian? Why?". Yet this man was probably one of the kindest and most generous people I have ever met at school: he once went out to the garbage disposal in the school parking lot to help my friend find the watch that he accidentally dropped into a garbage bin, and he was more than happy to help. Most people in school generally shun the janitors or custodians, but even giving them a smile or a "good morning" is sometimes enough.

Grimsterr · 1 year

My granddad subbed for our janitor when he was out sick (not often). So due to that I often spoke to the janitor since, there were times the janitor was my opa. When we got lockers in 6th grade (k-9 was the grades the school had) my lock was a Master lock and my granddad gave me his "master" key, it opened -every padlock lock- in the school.

Some mischief was had due to this, nothing too out there or over the top bad. Also if a teacher lost her supply closet key or left it at home, she could have me open it instead of calling in the janitor to do it for her.

The janitor lived in a small house next to the playground, I'd often go over there and sit on his porch if he was taking a break and shooting the breeze with him, once in a while if he was doing something he could use a hand with he'd come get me out of class to help him. Once I got to drive with him to a nearby school to pick up some chairs for some assembly and missed every class from lunch on. Good times.

No point to the story other than ya know, be nice to people, it costs you nothing to be nice and you never know what rewards it may bring.

rfshunt · 1 year

My god, memories are flooding over me.

I worked one summer, between junior and senior years, at my high school. Cleaning, sanding desks, moving furniture. I got the job because there was some illness in the family and the money helped. I worked alongside the janitors, and one of them was Bill.

You work next to man for any length of time and you get to know him. Bill had, I don't know how else to put this, a funny smell. He also had a weary smile and an affable way. He got to know about my family, and I got to know about his, and the reason for that odor.

Bill had nine kids by two marriages. And he was determined to send every one of those kids to college. The funny smell? It came from getting up at 2:30am to work a full shift as a garbageman before coming in to work another 8 hours as a janitor at the school. On Friday and Saturday nights, he worked as a bartender. He was, by god, going to send every one of his kids to school.

That next year, my senior year, like POOLS-CLOSED I also made sure to say hello to Bill every afternoon. I had to seek him out, because he shied away from the crowded hallways. He knew he smelled like the garbage truck. But I would find him.

The day of my graduation, he was at the school, working as usual. He found me this time, pulled me aside and led me into the basement room where the janitors hung out.

And he handed me a box, gift-wrapped.

"What's this?"

"Its for you, for your graduation"

There was nice shirt inside, a dress shirt. Of all the emotions a person can have, I think I had half of them all at once. I was touched, and moved, and surprised and grateful. But I also thought about how hard that man worked for his money, and that he just.....shouldn't.....have.

It's been years since I've thought about Bill. And seeing so many of you telling your stories of the graciousness of being simply, beautifully kind brought it back. I can't think of a better way to be reminded.

StunningRunt · 1 year

Nice. Treating people well pays benefits, real life karma.

1 year

[deleted]

mcsquare · 1 year

Academy of the Sacred Heart? Tres bien.

lynzee · 1 year

Made me tear up. It feels good to know that both of you are such nice people :)

batsam · 1 year

Upvote for Sacred Heart schools!

Sablerage · 1 year

Janitors dont usually have names, did you get his name? I learn most of my life lessons from scrubs... (forever alone)

Thamesbeat · 1 year

Sacred Heart High School, Hammersmith?

Alacritous · 1 year

Dale Carnegie would be proud.

jessaschlitt · 1 year

HOLD THE PHONE, IS THIS AT VILLA DUCHESNE IN ST. LOUIS?!

arc309 · 1 year

How can 11,500 people downvote this?

doitlive · 1 year

Pretty good little map of the earth there.

CynicalCowSaysMeh · 1 year

Seems people always underrate the importance of a smile and a quick chat. Name the last time you can remember that someone smiling at you and asking about your day didn't make it better?

SavageOrc · 1 year

There are interesting people in all walks of life. Sometimes people arrive janitor-type jobs by choice or by circumstance - people like that usually have good stories. In fact, I don't think that I've ever met anyone who was compelling that didn't have a few scars.

mainsworth · 1 year

Can you transcribe his note or is it personal?

otistbass · 1 year

Wonderful, you have a very kind heart. I bet you were the bright spot of his day. I assume he was from another country?

garrygra · 1 year

That's fucking awesome man, it's awesome how much he seems to value friendship, which is a rare thing. Do you think you could type out the message on the right hand corner? I can read a bit and it's awesome but I have terrible eyesight.

RyanWasRight · 1 year

Wow. That's awesome. He will remember that (as will you) for the rest of his life. "Think where man's glory most begins and ends, And say my glory was I had such friends." Yeats

GodOfAtheism · 1 year

We have a shuttle bus and a security guard at my job. I chat up the driver and at least one of the security guards all the time. Usually light political stuff. Shuttle driver is more in my mindset, bit more pragmatic, great guy though. Security guard is an older guy, ex-military, thinks kids should learn cursive, and that computer skills should be imparted Junior/senior year of high school. I'm inclined to disagree with him, but we're respectful about it, and I'm sure he wouldn't refuse me if I bought him a beer sometime.

The point? Just because your job isn't glamorous doesn't mean you're less of a person or are retarded.

xnorange · 1 year

erhrmmmm they prefer "custodian". It's all just a title though, and I could care less :P You must have been very nice to that man.

Custodian for over 2 years :)

something_geeky · 1 year

4866 down votes? Am I missing something here?

Roflzilla · 1 year

How on earth can anyone downvote this? I mean, seriously...

mightyknothead · 1 year

I always made a point to do this in high school. I still do it today at work. I pass this old man shuffling down the hallway emptying garbage cans and think, "If I can make his day just a little better, it's worth it."

bunsofcheese · 1 year

I learned while working at Starbucks (of all places) that it's just so much easier to be nice to people than it is to be angry/confrontational/apathetic/etc...they require much more work, and the payoff isn't nearly as satisfying.

TecK415 · 1 year

when i was in middle school I found a porn vid in the dumpster on how to correctly have anal sex. My janitor unlocked one of the class rooms and watched it with me and my friends. he was a cool dude.

wait, that sounds weird.

CuRhesusZn · 1 year

Painting's dated 2009. Have you ever been back to talk to the janitor?

theDudeRules · 1 year

It's very cool to receive something so original from a real person living a real life. No phony existence of a life. Sorry, this made me get all "Holden Caufield" on you.

Kwikfast213 · 1 year

This will never get read, but the care-taker at my primary was funny as hell. We always used to talk to him about his war stories and what not. I remember once we found a porno mag and left it just outside his little shed asif it had blown there, we were hiding away and saw him pick it up and take it inside. Many lols were had.

balletboot · 1 year

My boyfriend was a janitor at a high school. The kids were complete dicks to him. They forget that these people just are regular people with jobs, not sub-par humans or their mothers cleaning up after them.

On behalf of my boyfriend, thank you for not being a dick.

shrooq · 1 year

Wonder how depressed he's been since you left.

ReverendDizzle · 1 year

When I was a kid there was a janitor named Mark in my school. Mark was mentally challenged in some way... functional enough to have an adult life but impaired enough that he was obviously mentally handicapped even under the casual observations a child would make.

I always had as soft spot for him because I've got a strong protector/guardian streak (even if the person I'm protecting is much older than me as was the case with Mark). I'd beat down kids for harassing him, put people in their place for talking shit about him, etc.

I remember one day I went into the bathroom and he was in there cleaning, listening to the top 40 station on his little portable radio, and dancing his heart out. When I came in he froze and acted totally ashamed like I was going to make fun of him. I'm the least dance inclined white guy you could ever meet... but I danced my fucking heart out right along with him. I've never seen a man so happy in my life. We were best buds from then on.

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