Bernard

"He gave up his own life to see me through this one." Bernard's decline was, unfortunately, predictable. 

Diabetes. He's now wheelchair-bond and dependent on his brother for his most basic needs. Bernard's only 38.

"Sure it hurts, but I won't take the drugs they try to give me. Don't want to get addicted."

For the last 7 years, Bernard and his brother had managed to keep their heads above water. 

But their side business isn't doing so well anymore, and their electricity was about to be cut off. It was their first visit ever to MetMin. 

Bernard was born and raised in Chattanooga. He's certified in small engine repair. He supplemented his income working on motorcycles, lawnmowers but his real job was as a sanitation worker. 

8 yrs ago, when those new trucks came - you know, the ones with that mechanical arm that picks up the garbage can - all the sanitation workers were dismissed and given a severance package. Bernard fell back on his small engine repair work and did OK until diabetes began taking him down.

Eventually he got approved for disability. Between that ($700/month), his brother's part-time job and their side business, they had made it work. 

And they will again, now that their electric bill is cleared up. They still need to find a more handicapped-friendly place to live, tho. "It sure is hard just to get in and out of my place, to cook, to get to the van."

The side business? Wait for it - - -you're gonna love this. When life gives you lemons. . . YOU GUESSED IT!

Yes! It's a grown-up lemonade stand! Over 20 flavors served! The Chattanooga market hasn't been so great, so now Bernard and his brother are selling in Atlanta.That costs more money, but these entrepreneurs will figure it out. 

"I didn't know that anyone beside my brother cares. Ya'll care. Thank you."

The privilege was ours, Bernard.