It is not often that I use my blog as my personal forum to have a rant about things going on, in or around my life. But, excuse me today while I step upon my soapbox. I planned to reveal my secret project yesterday, but when I came home, I was deflated. I felt like an old balloon, that was just barely floating above the floor, the ribbon tail all twisted up beneath it.
Why was I so deflated you ask? Well, I had my wallet stolen out of my handbag at school. Which was in a locked equipment cupboard in my room, but since so many people come and go and do not always remember to lock the door behind them on my personal belongings, someone else saw this as their opportunity.
They must have been very determined, because my current bag of choice at the moment, is a gorgeous Lucky bag that my parents gave me and it is a giant bucket bag and very very Mary Poppins-ish deep, and that was all zipped up and twisted into another bag, so someone really worked hard to get my wallet out.
They walked away with my wallet, about £20 and my bank cards, which thankfully have now been cancelled and had not been used. But, more than the £20 or the pieces of plastic or my favourite green and polka dotted Cath Kidston wallet, bought for me by Mr. Michie, they walked away with my faith in humanity.
I am a girl raised in the South, I was raised by very compassionate parents, with extremely gracious manners. I always make a point of saying “hello” to people I see as I go about my day. I smile. I work my hardest to help people out, I give them respect, it doesn’t matter what others think of you, until you do something to upset me, you have a clean slate in my cupboard. Which is not what was shown to me yesterday.
Today as people came in and out, I watched them like a hawk, I questioned them in my head. I again questioned the turn of events yesterday. I am not an attention seeker, but I did feel it wise to make this known to others, since culprits like to boast, something might be heard through the grapevine.
I was hurt, that after sending out an “All Staff” e-mail, to make people aware, some gave me their sincere apologies, while others who spoke to me just shrugged, because they are complacent and so I am expected to be as well. Well, I refuse to be, a little of my faith in humanity was robbed from me yesterday afternoon and I will not be complacent about that. I will fight to get that back, with every bone in my body.
For, I believe there is good, more good than evil, I will walk in to school tomorrow, I will hide my hurt and I will carry on, a little wiser, a little older and I will continue to seek out the good in people, because surely it is there to be had.
Anonymous says:
“I will continue to seek out the good in people, because surely it is there to be had.”
I am so sorry to hear that this has happened to you. I believe what you said too, because I couldn’t go around believing the opposite, despite the number of people who have tried to make me believe so.
It’s always hard when someting like this happens to you, I hope the situation is rectified or that at least something else, something good comes out of it.
I am reminded of how many times good things have happened to me, maybe as simple as someone finding my wallet and driving to my house to return it. Or giving me a bed and breakfast without asking for anything in return. And without wishing to sound too soppy or gushy for a guy, I believe it’s people like you I have to thank for that, for believing in the good in us all.
My warmest wishes to you and Mr Michie.
Mr V
(aka ICT Tower)
January 25, 2011 — 10:53 pm
Jennifer Michie says:
Dear Mr. V,
I truly appreciate your heartfelt words as this has been a very trying day.
It is because of people like you, who have spent five minutes of their time, letting someone know, that somewhere out there,someone else cares.
It is for this reason, that we must fight complacency, we should never settle, always expect the upmost from people and pray they live up to it.
January 25, 2011 — 11:05 pm
Googlover/keishua says:
That really is unfortunate. I imagine you were quite miffed. There is a little good in all of us, I think. Sometimes, we have to look really hard but it’s there.
January 26, 2011 — 1:48 am
the REAL girl says:
Dear Jennifer,
As a fellow teacher and one who also believes in the good of others, the bad in some is most dangerous. It does break our faith, test our theories, hurts our feelings, robs our energy, and damages our dreams. Say a prayer for this person….ask that Grace be bestowed upon him/her so that he/she may see the light. One who could ‘work so hard’ as you put it to take from another has problems that you will never know. If it was done on a dare or in desperation, it was done with without regard for the person it impacted so adversely. There is more good and we need to concentrate on that good…..and never, ever, apologize for ranting on a personal issue on a blog. Sometimes it can be very therapeutic and even if you don’t get or hear the comments you want or need, you have struck a chord with many. In some way or another, we have all been betrayed, lied to, cheated on, or hurt in some other way. It’s a tough lesson….but consider it a lesson and a learning and no that MOST people would never do that. If this happened to me, I would make an announcement to the class and I would say something to the effect that this happened and you don’t want to dwell on the person who did not understand right from wrong ( or however you want to phrase it ) but instead want to say thank you for all of those who would never think of doing such a thing and how much that is appreciated…
Hugs to you…..
January 26, 2011 — 6:08 am
Alison says:
Oh I am so sorry. What a creepy feeling, to have had your belongings and your trust so violated.
Please keep your faith in the inherent goodness of others. Your art is so whimsical and joyful, and I think that comes from your optimism about life and humanity. They may have stolen your wallet, but do not allow them to steal this very integral part of what makes you so wonderful.
Sending warm wishes from across the pond.
Fondly,
Alison
January 26, 2011 — 5:25 pm
the REAL girl says:
Oh, I hope you got my lengthy comment! It was quite heartfelt!! xx Joann
January 26, 2011 — 8:45 pm