A Weird Thing Happened to Me ...

[RoyGBiv]

Well, okay, not so weird, but I've always wanted to use that as a thread title.

This is mostly a mini-rant. I just need to get it off my chest.

The other day I was helping customer work out his bills for the next 18 months. He wanted to get everything paid in advance so he wouldn't have to worry about it and to make sure others could make changes and such to the account in his absence should that become necessary. I normally don't ask why people are doing things like this -- none of my business -- but that last remark sounded chilling, and I couldn't help myself. He said it was because he was being shipped out to Iraq next month for "at least" a 12 month tour, and "in case something happened," he didn't want his wife to have to worry about bills for awhile. Kinda kicked me in the gut because before then all I had concentrated on was trying to make sure he remained a customer. After that it didn't seem so important. But anyway, we worked it all out, and I got him some discounts for paying so far in advance, made the changes he wanted, etc. Left a BOLD note on his account for customer service not to give him or his wife any grief "should something happen," although I didn't tell him that part, just trying to head-off any unpleasantness should the worst occur. He thanked me. I thanked him, but for more than being a customer, and told him I'd think about him, said I'd pray he came home safe. His mind was elsewhere, but he seemed grateful for the acknowledgment. He smirked a bit as he was leaving and asked me if I vote. "Yes." "Good," he said. "Vote well." It doesn't come out in just the words, but his meaning was very clear.

Later the same day, I was doing something with someone's account, and the Dixie Chick's _Travelin' Soldier_ came on the music station we were listening to. I got another punch in the gut. I'm an overly emotional person sometimes I admit, but still. I felt myself tear up, thought about that guy again ... Had to excuse myself for a few moments for an early break.

And then, not long afterward, an interview with the Idiot in Chief came on the television. I heard that grating voice instantly, but what struck me even more was the topic. He was giving one of his speeches in which he talked about how much better things were, how much safer the world was, basically just lying out his ass as usual. This was a part of an virtual exchange shown on the news between Kerry and Bush, although I didn't see Kerry speaking. We were just told what he said.

And then ... AND THEN a customer who saw this news report decided to open his big, flapping mouth, cuss Kerry as a "geek," and say that "we" have to finish the job we started.

I have not felt anger like that in awhile. For the sake of my livelihood, I'm glad I was able to keep it under control and not say anything to him, but I have his face memorized, and besides praying for that soldier, I'm also praying I meet this guy somewhere on the street where I am allowed to ask him just when his bloated ass plans on signing up to help finish the job.

[fudge stripe cookays]

1. You're a better person than me, Biv

That would have been it for my career right there.

I'm an emotional gal too. Burst into tears at the slightest provocation. (seeing the suffragette exhibit at the Smithsonian the day after the pro-choice march in April was one of the most moving moments of my life)

What a moving story. Thanks for sharing.
FSC

[RoyGBiv]

3. Not a better person ...

It's just training and experience. I've had people throw things, cuss me and every generation of my ancestors and descendants, and then literally spit on me for good measure. Had my life threatened more than once. Customer service is never boring. :-)

But, anyway, one learns mental tricks to calm the nerves. I had to use all of them and invent a few new ones for that guy, and he wasn't even talking to me. If I was new to this kind of work, that would have been the end of it.

The downside is I sometimes don't give people a piece of my mind outside of work at times when I should. I'm working on that and have gotten a lot of practice with it the last few months. :-)

[Love Bug]

2. Great story

You did a good thing that day, helping that GI get ready. He'll rest easier knowing he's done his best for his family. Can you share his first name? Maybe some of us here can send up a prayer or two for him.

[RoyGBiv]

4. Stephen ...

I'm actually surprised that came to mind so quickly. I have his account noted in my calander at work to check occasionally and make sure things remain as they should, but I usually don't remember names.

[BelleCarolinaPeridot]

5. I felt moved by your story ...

Another soldier and family to keep in thoughts and prayers ...

Brave soldiers are going off to fight in an un-needed battle while the weak and stupid are left here to roam ...


There needs to be more stories like these in the news , to put a face on the story and to get the real message out that this war is BS . These soldiers are needed with their families . There is nothing else I can say , I am tired of crying .

[RoyGBiv]

6. I want to write a LTTE ...

I want to write a LTTE telling the substance of this story, but with my full name attached to it, it could reveal too much information and break some confidentiality rules. I suppose I could alter some details so that this seems to take place outside of work ... have to think on it.

My company's CEO is a hardcore DEM and Kerry supporter, but he keeps the business strictly non-political and asks employees to do the same while at work. Telling a story about work might cross the line.

[yardwork]

7. I have a customer who is being re-mobilized

He's in his late fifties. He retired from the Army years ago and he's been in the reserves. He's a health care provider - a good one - and one who works for very little helping people who have less. He already spent about a year down in Guantanamo Bay when we invaded Afghanistan.

Now he's being sent to who knows where for a two-year assignment. Mandatory.

I cried when I got off the phone.

[RoyGBiv]

8. That's awful ...

This guy was in his early 40's I think, a specialist of some type who had already been gone from his family for three months for some kind of special training. He was home for a month before leaving. It was apparently the experience of his training that instilled in him an urgency to take care of such matters. He didn't volunteer any details of his training, and I didn't ask. I'm not sure I wanted to know, and it was becoming apparent to me he wished he didn't either.