Jamie knew what kind of day he’d had as soon as Andy’s feet hit the step to the garage door. “Okay, kids. Off to your rooms to finish your homework. We’ll have dinner soon. Let Daddy unwind for a bit. Here, take some carrot sticks with you.â€
“This business. These people. This day.†Andy’s grumblings began the minute the door opened.
“They’re blessed to have you on the team, Andy. You give them everything you have everyday, in every way. Come and sit down for a bit while I finish dinner. You can tell me all about it.â€
With a quick kiss on his cheek, Jamie took his lunchbox and led Andy to a kitchen stool. “Here, sweetie, nosh on these while I start the pasta. So, what’s one good thing and one bad thing about today?â€
It was something she did with the girls each day after school. Jamie hoped it would help Andy, too.
“It’s so hard, Jamie. I feel like I can’t do enough to help. I met the most wretched woman today. She was dressed in about twenty layers. I think she had everything she owned on her back. I offered to help her with her bags and she started screaming obscenities. She thought I was trying to steal them. It breaks my heart.â€
“And the good, sweetie?â€
“The good? She told me her story and I cried. I couldn’t help myself. Suddenly she reached into one of her (many) pockets and pulled out a snow white hanky. She wiped my eyes dry of tears. It was like I was receiving her benediction.â€
Andy hung his head. “I’m sorry I was grumbling when I came in, Jamie. I love you. It just hurts to see people living like that. We found her a bed in the women’s shelter, though. So she’s safe for a bit.
“Say! Where are my girls? Come give Daddy a hug, you munchkins. Mama has dinner ready. Susie, do you want to say grace tonight?â€
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above photo from Photoblog.
This week the editors at Trifecta asked us to write 33-333 words using the word WRETCHED in its third definition: being or appearing mean, miserable, or contemptible [dressed in wretched old clothes]
A touching story. The photo of the women layered in clothing adds to the mood the words laid out for me.
I agree – The photo really adds to this piece. Sad and frustrating. And the fact that he allowed the woman to dry his tears really shows his humanity. How many of us would, I wonder?
Love the turnabout with the woman wiping his tears.
What prompted her to tell her story after she accused him of trying ot steal?
I’ve read a couple of takes on homelessless now. I loved the part where he felt like he was receiving her benediction.
Oh… this is so beautiful, in so many ways. <3
The futility of it all has to be overwhelming sometimes to people who fight for these lost souls. You have a way of giving humanity back to the homeless among us.
I loved the benediction line. Mostly because it highlits how most of us feel when we encounter wretched people. We want their forgiveness because we aren’t wretched and they are and we have no logic for these kinds of inequities.
Thanks, Barbara, for another great response. The turnaround in the middle was lovely. I liked that in the end the ‘one good thing’ outweighed the ‘one bad thing’. Nice take on the prompt. See you at the weekend!
“So, what’s one good thing and one bad thing about today?†That is such a great question to ask a kid or a spouse at the end of the day. Let them vent the bad and celebrate the good. I’ll have to remember that.
I volunteer with folks like the lady in 20 layers. I hear you:()
I’ve know women like the one you describe. In some small place they keep a corner of dignity like a snow white hanky. Nice piece.
Very beautiful humanising of something we see and try in some way or another to turn off on a daily basis where I live. Even those of us who want better.
Very touching story and a good lesson for us all. Very nice 🙂