There have been days, many days, in the last few weeks where I have nearly walked out, or at least walked away from my job with no intention of returning. Days when I thought I would collapse from either heartbreak or exhaustion. Or both. Adding injury to insult, today I hobbled to and fro, after gruesomely catching my foot under an industrial sized door while cleaning the bathrooms. It was not pretty. Not any of it.
And then, wouldn't you know, came these.
. . . .
Mother: (utterly genuine) Thank you so much for helping us. We appreciate it so much. Have a wonderful night!
Me: You too! You're very welcome.
Daughter, 3 (whom I have never met): Thank you very much for helping us! Ap-pre-shate it! Thank you I love you See you in the morning!
. . . .
Boy, 8: Excuse me, Miss, would you be able to help me find something? I can't find a book and I really need your help. (with growing distress) It's the first book in the Guardians of Gahoole series, and it's so important, and I looked where it's supposed to be and I just can't find it...
Me: Well you are in luck, bud, because I got a copy in this morning that's still in the back. I'll go grab it for you.
Boy: Really?! Really?! Oh I would be SO VERY GRATEFUL!!!
Me: (returning with the book)
Boy: (jumping up and down) Wow, Miss, you are really very good at your job! Isn't she very good at her job, Mom?! Isn't she the best book person!
Me: (falls on the floor. dies.)
. . . .
So I've decided to stay.
Happy Friday, friends.
Thank you I love you See you in the morning.
All love,
*Andrea
Aw! That's so cute!
Do you work at the BIGBIG book store in Portland? I just went down to visit the Mossy City and almost didn't make it home -- I could just live in that place. :) Of course, the customer end of retail is always a better place to be. I'm sorry to hear that you've been getting bogged down by it all.
Posted by: Nadia Lewis | April 17, 2009 at 07:43 PM
there are so many people who ap-pre-shate you, always. so glad you got a couple reminders to refuel your tank.
here's another one: ME! LOVIN' YOU!
Posted by: nik | April 17, 2009 at 09:34 PM
you're awesome andrea. keep on keepin' on. xox
Posted by: shari | April 18, 2009 at 09:06 AM
you look like someone from a fairytale in this picture.
Posted by: ursula | April 18, 2009 at 10:26 AM
ditto that! i dig that foto mama. i love how the hair just continues on. like a hair river.
teehee. big hug birdie.
Posted by: Carolina | April 19, 2009 at 12:19 AM
also, and importantly! your prose is equally helpful and meaningful to everyone who reads it.
and that sounds like a really horrible cut?...keep the wound clean.
Posted by: ursula | April 19, 2009 at 09:33 AM
Every once in a while the world gives us what we need! (Thankfully.)
Posted by: amy h | April 19, 2009 at 06:01 PM
Thank you I love you see you in the morning.
I love that.
Posted by: Tracy | April 20, 2009 at 05:21 AM
You are very good at what you do. I've seen you in action and I never fail to be amazed at your knowledge and excitement of your literature. Someone above said it well, that the world sometimes gives us just what we need right when we need it.
hugs!
Posted by: Chelsea | April 26, 2009 at 07:04 AM
lovely story, glad these people told you
i understand the walking out everyday not wanting to return
Posted by: .girl ferment. | April 28, 2009 at 04:55 AM