Sandy's Page

When you're talking to someone, they reply with excitement, and their teeth fall out!

I recently found out that Phyllis died about six weeks ago. It was a pitiful way to go, she drank bleach, went into a coma and finally died a few weeks later. The hospital thought that maybe she mistakened the bleach for alcohol; she’s been an alcoholic for years and could no longer afford to buy enough if it to keep her happy.

When I first met Phyllis she was a tiny little thing, about 4’5” and probably 98 or so pounds. She had red hair and a raspy voice; you could tell immediately she was a smoker. She drove an old dilapidated car, but it gave her the independence she wanted. She came to food bank with a list every week to get her groceries.

For a woman with little money she had expensive taste, always asking for certain brands and wouldn’t usually take anything but the best. She was disappointed often, not because we didn’t have the food, but because we didn’t carry the brand she wanted; sadly she would only take a few items. This bothered me a little, but she was Phyllis and there was no changing her mind.

Phyllis slowly became unbearably demanding; this is when I realized how bad her disease was. She would call me leaving messages that were borderline nasty, and I cringed when she entered the food bank knowing she was going to scold me for doing something wrong. My patience and sympathy dwindled, so I had become firm with her as politely as possible. I had a hard time with her being so ungrateful while there were others so much worse off than her yet grateful they were able to smile that day. I just couldn’t balance the act.

Phyllis had wonderful help, people that really cared about their job and what they were doing. One of her caretakers, Rene’ was a sweet girl, around 19, in school trying to get her forestry degree. She was so upset about Phyllis’ death that she quit her job. She was just about the only one that could stand up to the abuse. When I spoke with her, she almost cried; as if she had failed. I wish I could be more like this young girl with such an understanding heart.

Phyllis was a person that used people to get what she wanted. She sucked the kindness out of you and then abused you once you gave her what she needed. I often wonder after someone dies, if they made a difference in their life? Phyllis showed me that you can be much happier when you appreciate your life than to treat it like it owes you something.

Here’s to you Phyllis, perhaps they’ll be sending you back to give it another try.

This is why I love New York!



Music video - the kids are just way too cute!

Bloggers got all kinds of new stuff for playing with; thanks Google. I added a new gadget to my sidebar and now I need to ask you for a favor, of course it's optional. It's called followers, it's under "The Path of Life," and you can add your picture to it. I'll be using that instead of the links that I used to have there. This takes up less room on the sidebar. So, will you add your link to it; I can't wait to see what it looks like?