Perhaps some of you can relate to the relative from hell. You know, the one who rarely calls to check on you; but when they do call, it's to give you an assignment to benefit them? Well I walked into this one completely by accident. Isn't that the way it always is?
I ran into this girl at the bedside of a very seriously ill uncle we have in common. She does not drive and, since she was en route to visit my mother who is wheelchair bound, I gladly offered her a ride; even though I was on my way to work.
Cuz doesn't have to work because she is mentally disabled, but far from stupid!
When I deposited my charge, I promised that I would help her to procure groceries on Monday. I dutifully mapquested the directions and, after my nightshift ended, made my way into a very depressed looking neighborhood.
Up and down the street I went, into this complex and that. I even entered a set of condos 'from the $120's'. In the less prosperous areas, people were actually sitting outside, but no one knew of the apartments I sought when inquiries were made.
Fearful of getting out of my car to use a pay phone --- I have no cell phone ---, I made it home and called her. 'Oh Lord,' she hollered. 'I'm hungry! I don't have any food!' It didn't occur to me that she hadn't asked about my safety as she sat safely tucked away in her apartment until later. I promised to come by the next night AFER taking care of my mother, AFTER work.
This time I went to the correct end of the same (divided) street, stumbling about in the darkness with a big purse and in my flip flops; at a time when gas prices are elevated and the temptation to rob almost predictable. I bravely asked 2 brothers for building X but again, nobody knew anything. I began to think I was the police.
Well, another long trip home, a screaming and hollering retort; but this time my children bore witness. 'Mom, you are being made a fool of being so nice,' they warned. Did I listen?
I took my cousin an envelope full of money by en route to work the next day, cautioning her that she would have to get to the store on her own. Granted, she has brothers who are doing what I'm doing, I'm sure; I was just trying to help a sistah out. After all, when she was born, I was in high school!
Hint to the wise: When your well intended good deeds begin to interrupt your peace of mind, drop those deeds immediately.
I HAVE!
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