I’d like to tell you about Phil.

Phil is a friend of mine from work. We have known each other for about 5 years now and he’s one of the best friends I have ever had. He’s almost 20 years older than I am but we have a lot in common.

Life has never afford Phil much. Even though he speaks fluent French, and even lived in France for a year and traveled to Quebec, and attended culinary arts school, he had to strive for everything he has.

Phil’s dad died when he was 15, his mom struggled to get by because of a law Reagan signed that said she had to pay back his social security benefits. Things were tough and Phil had to go live with his uncle who beat him up for any reason.

Phil is a diabetic and that has lead to other health problems.

When Phil came to work in the bakery, he was tormented ceaselessly by a crazy ex-meth head named Sarah and her clique of fellow high school drop outs. It got so bad he would go home and cry and then get sick with dread at coming in the next morning. With intervention from me and some others we managed to get HR to investigate the situation and get Sarah removed from the job and Phil transferred to work with me. He got a little happier.

When Phil’s aunt died, after a long and full life, she left Phil some money. Phil used some of that money to pay my rent twice during furloughs when the university was closed. No one ever offered to do that for me before.

Now Phil has had a miniature stroke. Nothing permanent and debilitating, he is still conscious, cognitive and mobile, although he was scared when he lost vision in one eye temporarily. He has missed two weeks of work and his bills are piling up. Even with the money his aunt let him, its a lot.

This man has done more for me than my own father. He has traveled and learned a second language. He is smart and informed and kind, and yet he is always at the mercy of bad health and some of the biggest bastards that North Carolina and Tennessee has ever spawned. He said that even though the mini stroke has not caused any major damage, the doctor said he might develop dementia later in life and it could shorten his life span.

Why do total bastards always get more than they need yet someone like him, someone who has restored my faith in humanity have to suffer and struggle through life? He works his hands to the bone but people who do nothing get all the credit. He never hurts anyone yet he is always the target of abuse. He has so much more to give but he might go to his grave earlier than people who contribute nothing but negativity and strife.

I have never been a religious person, but part of me has always believed that there is something, some force, call it God or Karma or whatever, that sees that good and evil get their just rewards. But I am starting to think that if there is a God then he has one sick sense of humor.