The gentleman that you have written about reminds me of my grandfather. He was also a hard worker who hated a hand-out. He felt it was less valuable to him and that there was always a more needy soul out there. I think the message to take from here is that all people in their own light can give/teach you something. My grandfather told the funniest stories and my grandmother's memory teaches me strength and the meaning of true love by the way she raised my mother. The years of experience that these folk have, as priceless in their own right and we should take some time to appreciate their lives once in a while.