It's important to care more about our fellow men and women. And I think I learned this lesson the difficult way. See, there's this homeless man that has a crack addiction and he is always seen in my neighborhood. We affectionately, but never to his face, call him Dumpster Dave.

Dumpster Dave is a hard worker, even though his motivations are a desperate escape from being sober. Dave does have one amazing and redeeming quality about him that really warms the heart and home.

This incredible man has on countless occasions, stolen the donated goods left at the rear dock of the nearby Goodwill store. He sifts through the stuff on the dock and in the dumpsters (hence the nickname) and sells it for a profit.

To date, I have managed to make over $6000 on eBay because of Dumpster Dave. He finds it all; rugs, lamps, tables, candlesticks, recliners, rope, gloves, coats, etc. I've even seen him sell a washing machine and other very large and heavy items.

I would nearly bet my life that Dumpster Dave is the strongest man alive. Nothing gets between him and his rock, I tell you what. He'll lift an oak table like it's a lawn chair, and balance it on a bicycle that may or may not be designed for such abuse.

Then he will go door to door down our street and sell his merchandise. His price is never more than $10. Yes, I said $10! This man is a rebate with a drug problem and I am glad to know him.

But not everything lasts forever. I say with a heavy heart, that last week, Dumpster Dave became Dirthole Dave. Every once in awhile on our way to get Taco Bell, we stop by the cemetary to pay him a visit.

And when we find him, we always see him hard at work digging away at the base of a granite headstone. We can't help but feel joy as he strikes wood and pops his nubby head up above the ground and grins ear to grimy ear.

"Hey guys, check this out!" Says Dave as he forces the coffin lid open and begins to check the usual places for loot. "You guys like diamond earrings? What about new shoes? What size do you wear, G_O?"

My friends and I look at each other with pride in our souls. This man in the defiled resting place of some 38 year old father has really improved his lot in life; no more digging through rotting meat and shame for a dollar! Now he digs down to go up, and the only thing in his way is loose soil and a shovel with a broken handle.

"I'm proud of you, Dave." I say to him as I give him the $20 for a handful of jewels and a really nice blue and white "power tie". He originally wanted $30, but I threatened to call the cops and take pictures with my phone if he kept playing hardball with me.

"Thanks, fellas! Come back next week, there will probably be a few more to check out!" We nod our thanks and sneak back to our car. You know, folks can be really judgmental about our homeless population. But I say you should get to know one; they will show you what the human spirit is capable of if you only give them a chance.