"Lord, Help These Basic Bitches"

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was at the copier at one of my jobs when I noticed that a woman (who had come in for information) and her young child were leaving.  It’s a relatively quiet time at work, and I saw a basket of Bronx flags we have that I had made for a special event.  The extra flags were lying around and I had put a sign on the basket telling folks to take a flag and wave it proudly.  So I walked over to them as they were about to leave, gave the girl a flag, and told her it was the Bronx flag.  The mom smiled and thanked me as the girl took the flag.  As I turned around to get back to making copies, I was being glared at by two women who work there. 

I was stunned for a moment because one might think I gave away their lunch from the look on their faces.  But then I had to remind myself that these are bitches.  When I use the word, someone has earned it.  I do not use it as a synonym for women.

What could be bad about giving a 4 or 5-year-old a little paper Bronx flag that we had left over?  Staff already were welcomed to take extras for their children.  Add to that that we are an educational program.  How can this be a bad thing to do in anyone’s mind?

The longer I live, I feel I’m understanding more and more what my mother endured in her life.  She was so special; there were those who adored her of which I was one, and there were those who couldn’t stand her which I couldn’t understand.  How could one not like genuine and nice? But I’m learning.

I am learning.

A former student (my students are adults) once told me that she saw how some looked at me in the office.  She went on to say that I had the gift and to just keep doing what I do.  She added that at every job, there will be those who will resent me for it. 

She ain’t kidding.  It’s just the way it is.  I think they just can’t help it.  When we were not given to or were mistreated as children, we all react in our own way.  Some think it should’ve been better and try to make it better for others.  Some cannot think their parents did anything less than perfect.  So no one should have it better.  Better would mean their parents were not perfect.

Sometimes, I’m able to sit back and enjoy the show.  At the best times, it’s comedy material.  At this moment, they are just bitches.