Blog

Yes. My feelings are hurt, though I am working diligently to let it roll off.

I invite you to join us at one o'clock on a sunny, Spring, Saturday afternoon. Please sit in one of our comfy chairs and have some coffee or bottled water along with a snack from the community bowl while you pass the time. Many times, you can sit tight, and I will deliver. When I know you'll be waiting a while, I'll offer a Coke. Oh, how I would like to join you - off my feet, relaxing for a bit.

I head to the back to restock. On the way back to the front, I grab the ringing phone, delaying my return. What happened? Staff is now outnumbered three to one and I have no idea who should be first. Man with the hat isn't first, but he has friendly, sparkly eyes and says "I see you are busy" when I let him know it will be a few minutes before I can help him. Big man, shaved head, frowning. Oh no! Arms folded across his chest too. I brace myself, quickly licking my teeth as they are stuck to my upper lip from so much talking without a sip of water. He just needs one little part, but it isn't my fault he doesn't know how many speeds are on his bike. "Let's guess", I suggest, possibly eliminating a trip back. Twenty minutes later he is back, and we switch for the right part. Do I detect a bit of happiness on his face yet? Don't think so!

Saturdays are not repair days, but the exception is made each week for one couple. This week they want all three bikes fixed on Saturday. We cannot. And they do not understand. Now, they are making us out to be the bad guys. Yes, my feelings are hurt, and I am not the only one.

My mother-in-law always said, "No good deed goes unpunished". I never wanted to believe that saying, though at times, it seems she was right. I don't want to be so jaded helping some that I no longer wish to help others.

Though we continue to work on having good karma, some bad is coming through. Guess I need to try harder.