George's Free Advice
Hi Friends,
I hope everyone is doing terrifically? If you’re doing otherwise, maybe you could use some free advice to get on the terrific-train?
Meet George, a friendly regular on Center Street, Fernandina Beach, Florida. George sits near Amelia Island Coffee on Center Street in his cozy, whimsical chair every Saturday morning.
George doesn’t just sit in his animated attire to collect bills in a jar. George offers free advice on anything whatsoever (except no politics or religion, please) that may be troubling passerby's. He doesn't accept any money whatsoever.
I first spotted George a couple years ago on Amelia Island Plantation. I chuckled at: “Free Advice”. We all know what that’s worth.
But then again, it's free.
Imagine the questions, comments and craziness George must hear.
I assumed, incorrectly, that there’d be ample humor, sarcasm, facetiousness and the like. That his conversations would be filled with tongue and cheek, elbowing and accompanying absurdity.
Today, when I engaged George in conversation I was surprised by his seriousness. I mentioned that I bet he had “heard it all”. I asked if he had a story or two that stuck in his mind. Would he be willing to share one with me.
That’s when his seriousness set in:
A couple years back, two sixteen-year-old girls approached George for free advice. One of the girl’s mother was an alcoholic. The girl was experiencing pain and confusion. She asked George what she could do about such a predicament.
George, understanding first-hand what it is like to have an alcoholic mother, suggested the young lady educate herself on the disease of alcoholism. He told her there were resources she could turn to. He suggested she learn about the disease itself in order to properly navigate her precarious environment.
Then, George’s seriousness turned to great joy:
“Two years later," he said enthusiastically, "the girl returned saying that I had helped her. She did what I suggested. Two years later!”
George’s joy recollecting the young lady was infectious. Envisioning his free-advice recipient, now a young woman, feeling empowered by knowledge of causes, symptoms and solutions of alcoholism was indeed a warm thought.
Praise the Lord!
Before I left, I needed a funny story from George:
“What do I do about cheese?” Another free-advice recipient asked George.
I burst out laughing and he joined in.
“Now that’s funny,” I said because sometimes I think I’m a cheese-aholic!!
Here is George on The Today Show. As you’ll see, he started his Free Advice gig in Harvard Square three years ago.
Thank you for reading!
Love, Shelley
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