This week, the phone continued to literally ring off the hook, clients continued to stream through the door, and intake forms, income documentation, and other paperwork continued to mount. Since October 1st, I calculate I’ve spoken to some fifty distinct families seeking assistance with an energy bill of some sort; some calls last far longer than others and some families I’ve spoken to more than once, so the total is even higher. In the midst of this, the food pantry continues at a pace of roughly twelve families a day and some forty-plus individuals and my self-sufficiency clients continue to need help; it’s enough stress to drown in.

However, this year I’ve been trying something a little different. Instead of taxing my well-honed multitasking skills by juggling calls, bags of food, resources, and intakes, I’m doing my best to finish the task at hand until moving onto something else. Often this means letting the phone continue its insistent call and typing away obliviously and sometimes I’ve broken down and answered a call during an appointment, but for the most part, it’s working. I’m usually exhausted by the end of the day, but I’m not angry or bitter or feeling harried as I was last year. It’s a modest victory, but I’ll take it.

Chavonne and I are doing wonderfully, when we’re able to see one another, anyway. We watched The Office last night and saw Jim and Pam get married, in a way perfectly suited to them; it reminded us of our own wedding in more ways than one, and it was a wonderful moment to remember how lucky we really are to be with someone we don’t just tolerate or enjoy but truly and deeply love.

We’re planning this weekend a number of semi-social activities (Lulu’s Noodles with Lara!, Couples’ Retreat!, painting for the first time ever!, Project Runway!) and it’s always a welcome and needed respite from the unceasing need out there. Winter’s coming, inevitably, and the problems clients are facing are going to get worse before they improve; but I can’t advocate on their behalf worth a damn unless I can maintain some serenity.

1 Comment

  1. Chavonne on October 9, 2009 at 12:08 PM

    I'm so grateful for the "break" we'll get tonight and tomorrow. Life is crazy, but I wouldn't want to be on this ride with anyone else. Love you so much.

     


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