Damaged Goods

The man recalled a significant setback in his life.

He said that although it could still, on occasion, hurt, much like an old knee injury might act up with changes in the weather, it had been a net plus because he learned a great deal about people. "For some," he noted, "you are damaged goods. They find ways to avoid you and they aren't terribly interested in whether or not you were treated fairly. All they know is you are suddenly of less value and your loss of status might be contagious. They may also figure that if you ever recover they can mend fences."

He continued: "The good news, of course, is found in the people who stay. Never forget their names. They are gems. Oh, and never forget the names of the other group too. Forgive them, but don't forget them."