I never thought that I would go “in absentia” for so long. It’s been a long three weeks and for the most part this time has been uneventful with the exception of my getaway to Saugatuck, Michigan, two weeks ago. The never-ending wait from April’s event is driving me crazy. I feel as though I can’t make decisions on what to do when it comes to attending events, gatherings, picnics or vacations until the last minute due to this “waiting.” Next week could bring an end…I can only hope. I’ve also been trying to get the house in order. I’ve been consuming myself with things to do and places to go, particularly for photography reasons, that the living room couch eventually turned into my closet because I got too far behind on my ironing.
I was given a dose of reality last week when a customer, Michael, came to see me at work. He came to talk about a particular business venture that he wants to start that my boss and I had some reservations about prior to meeting him.
When Michael came in with his brother, who would be co-owner, I saw a short, handsome man with chiseled cheek bones. Before we even began discussing his venture, he began pleading with me that he needed to make this venture work because he is financially strapped. His deep brown eyes were looking like those of a sad puppy. He said that he may be leaving for his third tour of duty in Iraq. My jaw dropped. He then stated that he had two years left on his five years of reserve duty with the Army, that he is a linguist and that linguists are in high demand “over there.” He pulled out of his wallet his Army reserve ID. My eyes began watering, but I couldn’t let my tears show, so I immediately tilted my head back a little and began thinking of a terrible episode from my previous employer. I have only heard tragic stories of local servicemen who returned for more than one tour of duty. I seriously hope this doesn’t continue.
My thoughts on this business venture immediately changed. As much as I was hesitant to consider his entrepreneurship into the small business world, I wanted to make this work. He had a firm handshake at the end of the meeting and he gave me his thanks. And for the first time in my life, I cupped a man’s hand in both of my hands and I said to Michael, “No, thank you.”
More to report but I have to get caught up with you first.
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Makes ironing seem trivial doesn’t it?
Did I miss something along the way? Have you explained this “waiting” or the “April event”? I’m a little confused.
Welcome back Steven. Did I ever say thanks to you for the bd card that you sent me? My mind’s a blur. So sorry. THANKS!!!
Being ‘uneventful’ can be good sometimes.
I think UDave said it best – althought ironed shirts and pants are much nicer. And while it’s not my business my friend to know what the “april episode” is, was, will be I have to say talking all the way around it drives me crazy. But as I said it’s none ofmy business. I just hope the end result is positive and happy.
it was good to see you posting.
I will echo Cele’s comment about UltraDave’s comment. We often enter into a situation with a set of rules, understandings, and guidelines. To bounce off your post, we may be concerned with the ironing or the piles of clothes on the couch. We may have decided that something such as a business venture might not work. Then other factors are entered into the equation and all of our preconceived notions or or previous priorities and needs are thown out the window or seem trivial at best. We see the world and other people through different eyes, and we are changed – for the better.
Actually, I was looking at the April event as being trivial compared to Michael’s tour; ironing never crossed my mind.
I have a soft spot for those in the military and I try to include and remember them in my thoughts and prayers.
It is so good to read you here again. It sure is hard to say “no thank you” …when it’s complex.