I buzzed her inside. She wore an old funky coat, jeans, and flip-flops, bare feet in 26 degree weather. She had a death grip on a shoulder bag, clothe, dirty. Her hair was dark brown, shoulder length. She'd been pretty once in her life.
I said, "Good morning, may I help you."
She stood quiet, looked around. Then, "Ah, is there anything I can do for you to earn some money?" She avoided eye contact, seemed fidgety.
Me, "Not really, young lady, this is a one man operation." I sized her up, tried to guess her age. Thought, sixteen, seventeen. My judgement of women's ages isn't all that great.
"Are you sure. I'm good."
In return, "I'm sure." Took a chance, "How old are you, if you don't mind my asking?"
"Does it matter."
"Well, not really. Have a good day."
In a blink she came back with, "If it'll help I'm sixteen." Score one for me.
I'm not big in the patience department. "Okay, young lady, really, what do you want, a hand out?"
"Sure, but if you don't want to give me a few dollars I'll (preform a service) for you."
Sign of the times, perhaps. Yet, I set the blame squarely at her parents (or lack of) feet. She's now a throwaway. She'll probably, without help, die young.
What's happened to this countries children....
I scooted her out the door with five dollars. Out into the cold. God bless her.
Stephen
My neighbor is a 70 year old version of that teenager.
ReplyDeleteAnd the sadder part is, for that one girl that walked in and asked for work (or offered services), how many didn't?
You have a big heart Stephen, I'm sure it was difficult turning her away but you can't help everyone. I think we will see more and more of this in the coming months, years. She's was lucky this time that she didn't run into someone nefarious.
ReplyDeleteMudbug, sad isn't it. You're correct - how many litter the streets, and pass away in the gutters and society unaware. Thanks, Bubba.
ReplyDeletePISSED, I'm just a soft touch, my friend...age will do it to you. Yes, she was lucky, sad though. Thank you, my friend.
humans are now "consumers"; that means consumers of people too.
ReplyDeletesad state of things, well prophecied: "But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, self-assuming, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up [with pride], lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, having a form of godly devotion but proving false to its power; and from these turn away."
hopefully, the mess this world is in, means the "Big Guy" will soon straighten it all out.
Kellie, very true. HE may well, soon, kick some butt. I just hope he gives me a bit more time. Thank you, Sweet Lady.
ReplyDeleteSad signs of the time indeed.
ReplyDeleteYou might double-check around your shop for hobo marks.
How very sad. I thought I had seen a sad sign of collapse today and wrote about it but you had the much more tragic sign.
ReplyDeleteBless you for your generosity.
When I see something like that I can't help but think "Where is that girl's daddy?"
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately too many times they have run out or been replaced with a welfare check.
Larry- Too many other times having run out would be vastly better than what happened.
ReplyDeleteThere are too many h. sapiens animals not enough male humans.
Sure, blame the parents, but isn't it obvious the culprit is drugs. She, like so many young girls, was first given drugs by a boyfriend or casual friend for the express purpose of having sex with her. Then it became impossible for her to stop taking drugs and sex was her "cash". Perhaps, as many believe, drugs should be legal. But does anyone really believe that will solve this problem??? Recreational drugs are used for sex. In my humble opinion any parent of a minor child (under 18) should be allowed to defend their child by shooting, clubbing, knifing, etc, anyone who gives or sells their child drugs. Sorry if that is too violent for many of you.
ReplyDeleteOdysseus, I'll check first thing in the morning, thanks.
ReplyDeletePioneerPreppy, thank you.
Larry, very true. Thanks.
Anonymous, Too violent for this crowd...???? Have you taken a moment to read any post on this blog? Violent, Bubba, you're talking to a mess of battle hardened veterans. We invented violence. And, many of us are grandparents who need zero advice on raising children; we've been there and done that. We know why this young woman is walking the street. Thank you for your comment.
Stephen - dear friend - i was really touched by the post. but what touches me even more is your response to Anonymous above. here here, my friend.
ReplyDeletei was going to go on a mushy tangent about your post but you reminded me how to butter my bread. thank you Sir!
your friend,
kymber
kymber, thank you. You always make my day.
ReplyDeleteNot everyone who has fallen off the primrose path is doomed. You never know what single incident - casual encounter - will lead to change in a persons life.
ReplyDeleteOf course I think I am just stating the obvious to you or you would not have done what you did for her.
JC
JC, very true. All I can say is, 'but for the grace of God, there go I.'
ReplyDelete