Friday, November 7, 2008

Compassion

I'm not even sure how to start this post. I'm feeling at a loss for words this week. Several things have happened that leave me shaking my head, speechless and dumbfounded.

First, I lost my job, AGAIN. Let's see, the last one I think I had for 4 months, this one lasted a little over 2 months. The mom told me at the end of my day on Wednesday that she quit her job. My last day of work is next Friday. A week to find a new job! Uh, yea, that's probably not doable. The "We really like you. We think you're a great nanny. We feel so bad." speeches really don't help. There is the little matter of bills to pay, and my self esteem's dangerously low level, and the hassle of job searching again.

When things aren't going well in my life, I am always struck by how much I appreciate the little things. The little kindnesses, that might go unnoticed by some, are huge to me. Yesterday, I took Dylan to a used book sale at the library. It was crowded, and I knew if I put him down, he would run off, and get lost. So, I grabbed 3 books in one hand, and held Dylan in the other. While I tried to pay, he started grabbing all the cards in my purse. I left quickly, but decided to go back that evening when Jim got home, and could stay with Dylan. When I went back, I realized that I had found the best used book sale ever! I got a huge pile of books for $12! When I went to pay, I realized I only had $12 in cash in my purse. They weren't taking debit cards. My total came to $12.25. As I started looking through the books to decide which one to take out, the lady behind the counter, handed me a quarter and said, "Here, take them all home. I hope your son enjoys them". Yes, only a quarter, but to me much more.

Today, I took A to Kindermusik where I danced with invisible kid again. A little girl in A's preschool class, and her nanny, go to the class. On Monday, this week, A's mom arranged a play date, so the little girl and her nanny came over. That was pretty much the only time I had a conversation with the other nanny, other than to exchange pleasantries. Today, when I told her about the job, and how frustrated I feel, she reached over and put her hand on my back, saying, "Oh, Jen, I'm so sorry that happened". I almost broke down right there in Kindermusik class. Again, a small thing, maybe to some, but to me - BIG.
The power of touch astounds me. The words themselves, the compassion in her voice, was enough, but the hand on my back made me feel...understood.

Tonight, I took Dylan to Chick-Fil A for dinner. I had him in one arm, and the diaper bag and purse in the other. I was planning my strategy for getting everything to a booth, when the girl behind the counter smiled at me, and asked, "Can I carry your tray to a table for you?" I think I stared at her blankly for a second. "I'm sorry...what?" Good customer service always throws me off guard. But it wasn't just good customer service. It was one person...caring about the other.

What a beautiful concept.

9 comments:

Nicole said...

AHHHHGH! I'm so so sorry to hear about your job again! Well, on the bright side... it doesn't seem like its that great of a job for you (as in ... the little girl sounds like a BRAT! and you deserve better!). Hang in there, have faith and something will come along!

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

I'm sorry about your job. I hope something better turns up--and soon.

I will send you all the good bloggy jobsearch juju that we received and my husband no longer needs.

Janet said...

I'm sorry you're job hunting again. It's so time consuming and frustrating. But I'm glad you had some positives this week as well. We go to Chik-Fil-A a lot. No matter where it's located, the employees are always courteous and kind. It must be a great place to work (the food service places I worked, not so much).

The Girls' Mommy said...

Totally off the subject, but you just reminded me--chick-fil-a will give you a plastic table cover for the kids, you know those adhesive ones. Anyway...

I am SO SO sorry about your job. SO sorry :(

Kellan said...

I'm glad all these nice things happened to you and help make things a little better. I'm sorry you lost this job, too! I know something will come along - you are a good nanny and it will happen!

Have a good weekend, Jen - Kellan

Lisa @ Boondock Ramblings said...

I am so sorry about your job, but so glad to hear about the compassion you encountered. Isn't it awesome when that happens? Amazing stories and just great things to happen!

We'll be praying you get a new job soon!

Sparx said...

Aaaargh!! What a drag, Jen I'm so sorry to hear this - I know you'll find something again quickly enough but that doesn't help at all. Good luck and my thoughts are with you.x

Burgh Baby said...

I hate when falling behind means that I miss something important. I'm so sorry about the job thing. I know how frustrating it is, especially because you really have no control over it. I'm sure another job is just around the corner, but it really sucks to continuously get jerked around like you have. Thank goodness you are still able to find the beautiful in life. :-)

Shellie said...

What a bummer on the job thing, but I'm so glad those people were there to give you that compassionate touch.