The Tornado and the Congressman

I have told this story many times. It illustrates the pinnacle of success I had achieved during my lofty real estate career:

During October, many years ago, I was working in one of my trailer parks, as usual. Turning a corner behind the trailer, I almost got bitten by a mean, chained up dog. As I jumped back, I got a glimmer of something shiny from across the park. I thought to myself, ” nothing was ever shiny in this place”. So, I started walking over to investigate. It was a new black SUV and it was just sitting there at the entrance. As I approached, prepared to give the occupants direction to somewhere else, a man with a video camera got out. Then, our local congressman hopped out and started walking towards me with his hand stuck out……He said, “Are you the owner?” I said, “Yep, ya’ll lookin’ to rent a trailer?” We both laughed. He laughed longer! Then he started, ” Sir, we came here to let you know that we are All aware of the terrible destruction that tornado caused ya’ll on Monday.” (This was Weds.) He continues, “When I look around this place, I am amazed anyone survived. I want everyone here to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. And truly, it is a testament to God’s love for his people to allow anyone to have survived a catastrophe of this magnitude!” Now with tears welling up in his eyes he says, “Nobody should ever be expected to live in a mess like this and I will not let it go unnoticed. All the resources available to me or my constituents will be available to make this place habitable again!”

Finally, as he took a breath, I said, “Sir, that tornado hit on the other side of town………

JL Thompson