Here we are in the third week of a new year, and I’m already contemplating big life decisions, and I do mean huge, life-changing decisions! So something to note about me, I’m a people watcher. Anywhere I go, I can describe anyone around me. Creepy? Yes totally, but if someone mugs you in public and you aren’t paying attention I’ll be able to tell the police exactly who took your fake Louis Vuitton. I know stuff about people that even the people closest to them don’t know just by watching them.
So it’s the second time this week and I’m in a place I frequent 2-3 times a week. All different types of people go here. I’m in my happy place, people watching. It’s like a sporting event but I already know who wins, me, because I have dedicated the next hour of my time to watching people and making assumptions about them. In walks a lady about 45-46 years old. Very dark Nike check-looking eyebrows, she has a low-cut shirt on and I can see a paw print on her chest. Classy! I’m in for a treat. This is going to be exciting. She’s on the phone and frustrated. She’s speaking so loud that anyone within a one mile radius of her knows she’s not happy.
I lower my phone, I’m hooked, invested into helping her solve whatever is frustrating her. After what seemed like forever someone finally answers, then, all the good stuff starts. She mentions she is wanting to add some money to her nephew’s commissary account. Yes! That’s right, she is trying to add money so he can get some smokes at the local prison. And apparently because she is married now for the 7th time (I later find out) she can’t add it because the name on her ID and the visitor paperwork have two different last names.
She tells the receptionist at the jail that she isn’t going to go through the trouble of changing her name because she doesn’t think this marriage is working out and she doesn’t want to have to change it again. I mean this lady is wild! She holds nothing back. Everyone knows that 7 isn’t her lucky number at this point. Poor guy.
So the receptionist reassures her she can add money to anyone’s books all she needs is an account with a card linked to it. Perfect! She gets that set up and nephew is on his way to enjoying some smokes next time he’s in the yard, or whatever it’s called in the big house.
She is so pleased with the customer service she received to make this happen that she went ahead and added a few more dollars to her sister’s books. She is the most thoughtful lady I have watched today. I bet her family loves her. It’s like Christmas year-round in the jail with her as your Tia or sister.
Well after the two transactions are over, she gets off the phone and I’m saddened to know this is where we part ways. BUT THEN, her phone rings and here I am all eyes on her watching and waiting to see what else we have going on. It’s a “Sancho” That’s what I like to call a “side salad” you know. He’s not quite the entree because she’s married to #7 but if something was to happen to #7 Sancho could easily be pulled up off the bench and up to bat.
He was just checking to see how she was doing. She tells him she misses him and can’t wait to see him at THE FAMILY REUNION at the end of March!!
Now #7 is finished and they leave the establishment and I sit here wondering, does inmate number 83486 know how much of a struggle his aunt went through to get him those smokes? I’m sure he doesn’t and will have them all smoked up in a matter of hours.
Now I’m stuck sitting here wondering if inmate # 83486 needs a pen pal. I guess I can see if I can fit being a penpal to a fella who’s down on his luck into my schedule just to help take a little pressure off his sweet Tia! Always find the good in people. And if you have a little extra time join me in making inmate # 83486 your new pen pal!
~Shawna~ If you need help with a situation send your email in to shawnasaveme@gmail.com