Most of us grumble about getting to work, our jobs, and our bosses at some point. However, what many of us forget to do is to whisper words of thanks that we have a job at all. Student Walter Carr sets an example for all of us in this regard. When his car broke down the day before starting his new job as a mover for Bellhops, he didn’t hesitate. He had no choice but to walk the 20 miles to work. His decision became a journey in human resourcefulness, kindness, and brotherhood.  (1)

Eight Hours On Foot

Walter texted friends in hopes of getting a ride, but no one was able to help out so, he decided to walk. “I sat there, and I thought, ‘How can I get to my job? What streets would I walk through? How long would take me to get there,” he says. (1)

He Googled the location of his first moving job in Pelham and discovered it was eight hours on foot. This didn’t faze him. He needed the job. As an ex cross country runner, Walter figured he could do it. So, he went to bed early and set his alarm for 12 am. “I’ve always been that person who figured things out on my own,” he says. (1)

Act Of Kindness

Walter reached the town of Hoover by about 2 am where he met up with police Officer Mark Knighten. The officer asked him if he was okay and Walter told him his story. Officer Knighten offered to take him to a restaurant to refuel. (2)

“I said, ‘I just paid my rent. I have no cash on me at all,’” says Walter. The police officer told him the meal was on him and took him to the local Whataburger with some other officers. Officer Knighten paid for his meal and drove him as far as he could, leaving him at a local church where he felt he would be safe. He also said if he rested a while another officer might be able to drive him to work. (1)

More Assistance

However, Walter was anxious to get there so headed out again on foot. Not too long afterwards Officer Scott Duffey found him and took him the last four miles. He dropped him off at the home of Bellhop’s customer, Jenny Lamey. (1,2)

Walter’s story moved Jenny deeply. “The officer told me, ‘I’ve got this nice kid in my car. He’s a great kid, he’s been walking all night to get to your house,’” says Jenny. “That’s when the tears started coming. I just started crying.” (1)

Strictly Business

She offered him more food and even the chance to take a nap before the other movers arrived. However, Walter simply said, “No, I’d rather get started,” she says. (1,2)

Jenny not only posted his story on Facebook but also started a GoFundMepage to help him pay for car repairs. She also made sure Bellhop heard the story by speaking to his supervisor. (1)

Free Car

As word got around, Bellhop CEO Luke Marklin heard the story. He called and offered to buy Walter a coffeeso he could thank him in person. Instead of buying him a coffee he gave him his 2014 Ford Escape. (2)

“I am honestly blown away by him,” says Marklin. “So far, he’s batting 1,000.” Surprised by the gift Walter simply asked, “Seriously?” (2)

“We set a really high bar for heart and grit and … you just blew it away,” Marklin explained to Walter. (1)

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Inspiring Story

“The lesson of my story is it’s great to reach people, I always wanted to inspire people,” says Walter. “Don’t let nobody tell you you can’t do something. It’s up to us whether we can.” (2)

Walter’s story is helping restore our faith in human kindness while providing a lesson in gratitude. (2)