Thursday, August 14, 2008

Why are there so many songs about rainbows



I can't remember if I mentioned it on this here blog or not, but a few months ago my wallet was stolen from work. That day was especially busy and people were in and out like a fiddler's elbow. After work, I went to get some groceries and found myself at the check-out with six bags of food and no wallet.
When I mulled over the day there was one prime suspect. Everyone else I knew and trusted. This guy came in with his depressed girlfriend and their children for help with various things. He was overly friendly and quick to help when I needed something moved to get them some diapers. This behaviour made me suspicious. People who are in desperate need are rarely so full of energy and smiles. Something to hide.
I made a report to police and they wanted to question the guy and I said no. No proof and the wallet was already gone. I'd rather not bring more despair into this poor woman's life. I was surprisingly chill about the whole thing and went about quietly replacing my ID. Others were mad, I was not.
Tonight, I got a phone call. It was the girlfriend. She found all my ID stuck in the side of a rip in her mattress. Her boyfriend had ripped her off a month ago, went on a coke binge and left her. She didn't even know I was the person whose ID she'd found. We had only met once. She was angry at him and ashamed at herself. I am thankful for her honesty. Anyway, that's the kind of day I had. Many, many stories of misery. Stories I could not, and would not, repeat. I think I need a new profession. Something lighter perhaps.

13 comments:

Jill said...

Wow...

Good on you for taking this one in stride and working through the irritation of having to replace everything in your wallet...

... and for the girlfriend who owned up to a crappy boyfriend and your stolen wallet.

It could not have been easy for either one of you.

neutron said...

Eve, everything has cost and everything takes it toll. Please, be careful.

Tammie Lee said...

you must be a good listener to instill confidence like that.

When I was in cranial sacral school, my teacher would say that we had to do one hour of taking care of ourselves for ever 5 or so clients. Suggestions would be a therapy session, massage, hike, ride your motorcycle, dancing what ever nurtures you and fills up the place that gives to others.

Also, thank you for your kind words of support!

Anonymous said...

That's quite a story. Can't imagine the despair you see on a daily basis.
On a lighter note, love the expression "in and out like a fiddler's elbow" - I've never heard that before!
Love your writing & sense of humor.

Anonymous said...

That's quite a story. Can't imagine the despair you see on a daily basis.
On a lighter note, love the expression "in and out like a fiddler's elbow" - I've never heard that before!
Love your writing & sense of humor.

Anonymous said...

Oh well, all you lost were a few things and you were caused some inconvenience.

I'm happy for you that was all, and there was no violence involved.

It does sadden me though, about the poor woman with the loser ex-boyfriend. I feel bad for her.

As for her ex-boyfriend, his self esteem must be at rock bottom. Imagine what he must think about himself. He's a loser and must know it. What a way to live.

Anonymous said...

It takes exceptional, often inhuman people to do your job on a consistent basis without burning out. You see all sides of life...an that must be very difficult, especially when children are involved.

I admire your reactions. I'm not sure mine would have been the same.

Unknown said...

I hereby reserve the right to make sexual comparisons to 'in and out like a fiddler's elbow' later. Right now I want to say how very, very much I admire you, and the job you do. It CANNOT be easy. It MUST be depressing, at times.

Whatever value there is in having a cheerleader on your sideline, urging you to persevere, to hang in there, to do your best, to BE the best, as you have been, is what I would like to bring to you. I hope I can.

Soge shirts said...

Wow Eve way to overcome that garbage. You are a strong woman. You also got good instincts too. So lame that dbag took your wallet and bailed.

Eve Grey said...

haha Lou, I was wondering when someone would make that comment! I should have guessed (: (I of course thought of this as well)

Eve Grey said...

Thank you guys for all your nice words of support. I try to take things in stride. There are so many terrible things in the world, I can't sweat the "small stuff".

Anonymous said...

A break might help. I've just taken a two month break from an intense type of service work and it has been glorious. We take on the trauma, no matter how capable and strong we think we are.

I *love* the photo that accompanied this post.

And I just watched Miss Potter last night. I want to go buy a farm.

vinny said...

Those of your profession, deserve the greatest respect - and certainly have it from me. Straight from the heart.