HIDDEN TRUTHS REVEALED - PART 15

Two moves in two months. An insane concept in normal circumstances. Changes should not be made six months after a death so they claim. Whoever penned that thought was right on the money. Seemed to stay in a fog and go through the motions for quite a long time but there was no deadline to meet or time frame to incorporate. Really didn’t know how to enjoy life and it only took my sister-in-law a short observation to determine that I didn’t know how to enjoy most anything. (Wonder how she became so smart, but she’s an educator who can speak multiple languages.) Whatever the case, she had it pegged right. Have no doubt it stemmed after the Christmas holiday in the 9th grade those many years ago.

The house was picture perfect. The nicest place I had ever lived. Exquisitely landscaped with palm trees and birds of paradise. After a two-week delay the moving company finally brought our items. Think my parents got tired of sleeping on the floor and take-out. It was an adjustment living with parents once again after so many years and now a new addition of a teenage grandson. There were difficult times, but we tried to make the most of it. Jonathan was back at the high school he attended one semester in the 9th grade. Mom and Dad found a Church of Christ that was in close proximity, and I periodically attended the evangelical covenant church Carl, Jonathan, and I had gone to years earlier. Also, our next door neighbor, Nina, was an opera singer, and we were blessed to be serenaded throughout the daytime hours while she practiced (can’t say the same when her son started practicing a musical instrument).

Experienced invasion of the Iridomyrmex humilis and not just on the outside of the house. Ants coming out of the electrical sockets, ceiling lights, and skylights; marching in droves over floors and carpets; emerging from cabinets and closets. A literal horror story. (Although names were changed and some of the dialogue was embellished, read my blog of 1/27-28/07, “The Eleventh Plague,” for the “E Truly Hollywood Story.”)

School was no different here than at the technology institute in New Mexico. Jonathan skipped numerous classes especially the last one of the day to the point that he was kicked out in his senior year at age 18. Because he was 18, California policy would not allow Jonathan to come back so his only option was to get a GED which he did and luckily was also awarded a regular high school diploma. Unfortunately, didn’t escape the trials and tribulations of the parent and teenager in the juvenile justice system. Jonathan’s moment of indiscretion came at the minimal price. Still it felt odd sitting in the office on the other side of the desk of the juvenile probation officer; a role I once held 14 years earlier. It was an experience I never wanted to reprise.

A majority of Jonathan’s friends, including his girlfriend at the time, were Mormon, and guess it didn’t surprise me when he decided to practice this faith and was baptized. Can’t confess disappointment in this turn of events--I was just glad Jonathan had a faith he chose to acknowledge. Although he had always acknowledged his belief in God, I questioned it at times, but who am I to judge? Jonathan no longer follows Mormonism; however, I cling to the hope in the truth from Proverbs 22:6--“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

Although my parents never expected it and Mom insisted I get a full-time job, I felt obligated to become their housekeeper, cook, chauffer, yardman, and maintenance worker. It was a way to say “thank you” for everything they had done for me and Jonathan during a very difficult time. Of course, if I had known my future job frustrations, would have heeded the advice. However, I did take the opportunity to take a few medical classes at the adult school, but never could land a job--something about not having any experience (So why does anybody bother getting an education?).

During the 4-½ month grocery strike, worked at Ralph’s just around the corner from the house. Started out as a courtesy clerk (an upper level term for bagger). Also had to gather the carts and push them back into the store. If there was any doubt about my lack of upper body strength, it was evident now. How I struggled and it was most embarrassing. Increased my weight lifting, researched protein powders and headed to the nutritional shops. After some inquiry, it was determined that whey protein would build muscle strength faster. Bought protein bars and the powder to make shakes and received one bit of advice--lots of ice in the shakes. Actually love the stuff even the bars; not at all the cardboard taste most claim. I was amazed at the results and my ever increasing strength and must say I liked it.

Had never worked in retail and many of us were fishes out of the water and trying to help the managers keep the store afloat. But we worked together as a team and tried to appease the customers who were visibly upset having to cross the picket lines. Really liked the job and also got to work in other departments, stock, and ring up the items. Averaged 51 hours a week and was paid VERY well. Several cars in the parking lot were keyed (didn’t take a genius to figure out the culprits but no proof). Glad I was within walking distance. Some of the young squirts developed ego-inflated heads with their supervisory titles, but it was an equal playing field--no one better than anyone else. Felt close to several of these people; sort of like a family, but had a special rapport with the produce guy, Ralph. The running joke--Ralph at Ralph’s. We were about the same age, had been employed by the government, and knew about work ethics.

Was promoted to price integrity coordinator and scanned the entire store to make sure the product matched the listed price. The freezer sections were a bear--needed thermals and gloves. However, the other position gave me more of a variety. Unfortunately, the strike ended and we could no longer stay; however, could be hired back as a bagger for minimum wage but the manager told me that I wouldn’t want to do that (Did she know something I didn’t?). The last day was quite somber for me.

Since Jonathan had graduated it was time to move on. Mom and Dad sold the house and rented an apartment in downtown Long Beach. I remained in Oceanside and house sat for our neighbors while Nina went on a European tour.

Went on my monthly sale’s jaunt to Vitamin World to appease my addiction to protein powder and bars. Up on the ladder adjusting a sign was a man who looked very familiar. As he came down and turned around--“Ralph.” “Debbie.” Yes, Ralph was now the manager and was desperate for help so asked if I would be interested. Not exactly what I was looking for but needed some income so Ralph hired me on a temporary basis--could leave at any time and if decided to stay, would transition me in as an assistant manager, with the long-range goal of manager. Although had the job, company policy dictated that I take one of those personality profile tests. Didn’t pass. What is this? In college I can graduate magna cum laude with a criminology degree but can’t pass a lousy personality profile--in retail, FBI, or internet dating. Ralph insisted that the district manager override my score and would vouch for me at the corporate office about my employability. Met the DM who had me geared to become the manager of this store while Ralph would move to one that needed a jump start. Never thought I would be any good at customer service or sales, but seemed to hold my own in these type of jobs.

After a couple of months decided to head for Long Beach to check out the prospects. Jonathan stayed behind--he had different plans.

(to be continued)