MY LIFE....

Hey Yall!

I Haven't written for this column in a while and I apologize.

Got to do better, but you may remember that this column is about my life experiences on the job. I have some pretty amazing experiences on my job! I've met some really nice, incredible people being a story teller. Lately, I have been working nights. I get to wear incredible costumes to perform these special holiday stories. Story telling is a form of acting. I like what I do! I really appreciate the position I am in. I' have had some incredible audiences over the last 5 years! The holidays bring to end and chapter in this amazing time of my life.

The little kids I meet are actually the best audience, especially the really little ones, who want me "to tell them a story" too! This one little cute kid, she had to be all of 3, bundled up in her pink snow suit, she came up to me last Friday night at work with her parents and a her big sister (maybe 8 years old) and she just stood beside me, gazing at my beautiful old fashioned holiday dress. I looked like a woman from the "Christmas Carol", all decked out in my holiday best!

One of the guests said I looked like a 'BIG BABY DOLL", "One of those fine, expensive, old fashioned ones". Beautiful!", they said. Maybe so because this particular little girl was mesmerized! She walked right up to me, stopped, stared (I promise you, her eyes got really big, bright and they kind of glazed)......She waved and said "tell me a story!" Geez!

It was the start of something beautiful happening to me that night, as a Story Teller.

I acknowledged her parents and sibling. I felt so honored by this little girls attention that I got down on my knees (in all my costumed glory) so I could, "be on her level". She and her family were so pleased and grateful for this special attention all the while I'm still acknowledging the other guests. (They were all taken by this little kid too!) The Dad actually said that they remembered me from another place telling stories. He kept telling his wife, "THAT'S HER! THAT'S HER!" He asked me if I was at another place, telling different stories in the summer time. I said, "yes". The dad then smiled so brightly. He went on to say, "I knew that was you! Did you know when we saw you the first time (this summer) my kids were so amazed by you that we stayed listening to the "stories" you told, for a whole hour! My daughters would not let us leave you until they were completely satisfied that they had gotten enough from you. Thank you for engaging my daughters and all of us like you do.

We'll see you again!"

That was so wonderful!! and oh so humbling.

WOW! My GOD! Only God can do that! Hee Hee!

(I am laughing out of pure pleasure, joy, and gratefulness to God).

What a gift for God to trust me with, Story telling! Did you know Reader that God PURPOSED STORY TELLERS? Who do you think was spreading the "Good News" of God and keeping the history, the victories, the love of God going from generation to generation?...

...It was the STORY TELLERS!

Every culture needed and still needs them. They are also the ones that pass down the history of your family, your culture, traditions, your people and the world around you! They teach you, us through history, who we are, what our personal story and purpose is. They connect us...to us! They remind us! They enlighten us. THEY... are the STORY TELLERS.

I want to share something else about Story Tellers, with you readers.

To these people, God gave the great gift of engaging others. He also gave them the "teaching ability" to keep them knowledgeable and interesting while they entertained and poured important knowledge into their listeners! They know the importance of wisdom and protect it! The Story Tellers learned to read the eyes, and body language of the listener as well. They could move a crowd of children or hard hearted adults! The Story Tellers were captivating to their audiences. These people, telling the Lord stories, would go to great lengths to get their stories told. I can just imagine what they must have looked like using their voices, face, hands and body language to get their points across! They were passionate about these stories. These special people could paint a picture and bring it to life with their words, with mere words! OH! Holy Lord!

Though at work, my job is to tell stories that will inspire, but not the Lords stories, God has still found a way to put to service the gifts in me! He can and will do the same for you, (directing and blessing the gifts that HE put in you), if you let him! Though you may get the credit and praise from others, your gifts and talents are REALLY to uplift the Lord in the Land, through your life! The praise you get really should be given to him by you. Keeping in mind, "it is right to "give honor where honor is due", it is OK to receive kudos for your work, but make sure you re-direct that praise, even quietly on your own, to him. Sometimes, it's appropriate to give it to him aloud! Still, it is all for his Glory, not yours, though you reap some of the benefits of praise from others (which you can't completely trust).

be humble and remain so. Ask God to teach you what he means by humility.

You will find it is not what we often walk around portraying!

Anyway, whatever you do, story telling, conducting business, painting, cutting the grass, teaching....whatever it is... "anything you set your hands to task at, you should become a master at." Showing God you appreciate and acknowledge him in your life through your giftings.

For his Glory, remember!

As a believer in Christ, I know that even if I don't specifically speak about Jesus, because I believe, he can still show up within my life for others to "see". Especially when I am being active in the gifts he has given me, such as story telling! Anyway, as you can tell, (though I didn't grow up saying I want to be a story teller, and I have not been able yet to make a lucrative living at it)... I am indeed very much honored to be considered a Story Teller! You must know this, that little kid and her family kept me glowing and energized for the rest of the night! Though I know, I had a few more hours to work after they left, the night was over before I knew it! Hee Hee! I'm still laughing. Joy is so powerful!

Here's something else great that recently happened in "MY LIFE" on the job! This is a good story for the Holiday season. I went to work last night, still telling Holiday stories and as I was checking in, I was told to check my employee mailbox. I did. Easing my way through the small crowd of my co-workers, I made my way to the cluster of mailboxes on the wall which is really huge shelving with alphabets for our last names. Shocked! (pleasantly, of course), I started sorting through the mail and most of the mail was for me! Christmas cards from other employees.

I graciously collected my small pile and quietly exited the room. I headed for the women's locker room, to prepare for the night. I sat and took a moment to open the cards and was quite pleased with the nice sentiments. One particular card came from a nice, but very quiet person.

She is also an avid reader of my column. She's very creative and obviously spent a great deal of time on this card wishing my son and I, a very 'Blessed Christmas'... with Love. Anyway, her card had a gift inside for me. She actually stitched me a book mark and with my name stitched into it. How cool is that! She even spelled it my name correctly!

Anyway, As interesting as that was, the most interesting part was all the writing inside. She actually hand wrote a small story about the...

'Legend of The Candy Cane'.

I don't know how true it is, but it makes for a marvelous holiday story. I'll share it with you.

LEGEND OF THE CANDY CANE

Writer of the story, unknown

A Candy Maker wanted to make a Candy that would help us remember who Christmas is REALLY about! So, he made a Christmas Candy Cane.

He incorporated several symbols for the birth, ministry and death of JESUS, The Christ.

He began with a stick of pure white hard candy:

White to symbolize the virgin birth and sinless nature of Jesus:

Hard candy to symbolize the solid rock, the foundation of the Church and firmness of the promises of God.

The Candy Maker made the candy in the form of 'J' to represent the name of Jesus.

It also represented the staff of the "Good Shepard". The Candy-Maker then included red stripes, to represent the suffering Christ endured at the end of his life.

The candy became known as a 'CANDY CANE', a decoration seen at Christmas time.

The meaning has faded, but it still gives joy to children young and old, whom Jesus loves and treasures.

Thank you, for that story, my friend.

ALSO, Thank you Dear Reader, for letting me share MY LIFE with you.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!

Meetta TALKS!-Still

Still thinking of you Reader, during this Holiday Season!

This is just a follow up from that last Meetta Talks!, where I spoke

of the lonely, the frustrated. This particular post is not necessarily for the lonely but for all of you who still need encouragement to get through the holidays! Also for those of you who just need to remember to be thankful!

Yes! When I am writing, I find myself putting on a lot of music!

My favorite is gospel and other songs of encouragement.

I like songs that are soothing to my soul.

So, as I was writing the last "Meetta Talks" article,

Kathy Troccoli's song, "I call him Love", just riveted me!

I let the tracks from a disc compiled of music from 1998, keep playing and this song came on later, "U Saved Me" by Trin-i-tee 5, 7.

I dedicate this song to you, Reader. It took me awhile to type the lyrics, so I hope that you read the words carefully.

When you can, download it so you can hear the group sing it!

The song was written from true stories!

It has 4 verses all different stories from someone's life that the singers knew! PLEASE LISTEN, CAREFULLY!

Thinking of you Dear Reader...

recognizing there are people who are stressing right now and not just because of the holidays! Let this song inspire you, re-shape and mold your thoughts. Let it help you reflect and increase your Thankfulness at this time in your life. Be thankful for your victories, that are really God's victories for you! So, here goes!

" YOU SAVED ME!" Song By "TRIN-I-TEE 5 7

We were riding in my car one day, in the express lane,

rolling on the freeway.

And suddenly the phone rings and I reached down beside me and

I looked on the floor, felt on the back seat.

See, he was drinking while he was driving,

never thinking what he was doing.

I turned around and before I knew it, here comes this truck now.

Doctor said, " I don't think he's going to make it!"

Family said, "make the funeral arrangements."

"Unplug the machine, he's gone now."

Then told us to all be strong now.

Then a small voice said unto him, "if you promise to stop drinking".

Surrendered on that day! Now for ten years, he's been straight.

Chorus:

U SAVED ME!, U SAVED Me!, U Saved Me!, U Saved me!

Gave me a second Chance!

U saved me - 3 more x's

I've been sitting in this chair waiting on the phone to ring.

Praying up to God that someone would call me with a job opening.

'Cause it's been so hard for me month to month struggling to eat, but

still there was no answer.

I stopped believing in his word and got so mad at him.

And when somebody say, " God' s good!" I just laughed at him!

In the nick of time, his blessing rained on me, by his grace the phone rings a lady says, "we're hiring" and that's when I knew he...

Chorus:

U saved me! You saved me, You saved me, you saved me

Gave me a second chance!(Didn't have to do , but you did

(Didn't have to do it, but you did! I'm so glad, yeah.)

(You were there all the time. Saved my life.)

U saved me! repeat 3 more x's.

He was 18, out their on the block selling drugs.

With a gun at his waist and for people he had no love

See, the streets was his home, family and friends were gone,

had no one to trust and deep inside he was all alone.

Then a deal went bad one day, and it was enough to pause him.

He was shot four times and before he knew it he was on his knees.

Blood rushing out my body, my hearts beating fast,

I don't know what I'm gonna do, I don't think I'm gonna last!

Then I began to flash back on the things I've done in my past,

Then a very small voice that said to me,

"I'll give you peace, if you believe."

He accepted Christ that day! Hallelujah! Now, he's free!

Chorus:

You saved me! 3 more x's

Gave me a second chance!

You saved me! repeat 3 more x's

I was in the aisle at the grocery store, with a pain in my chest and

I'm wondering where did it come from!

The results came back and the doctor said,

"I'm sorry, but you've got cancer!".

I could not believe it so I called up my momma to calm my nerves.

She got down on her knees, she said a prayer for me.

"Just keep on thanking Jesus, he'll give you all you need."

Thank you Jesus! Thank you Jesus!

That was five years ago, I don't have that pain no more.

Doc said you can go home, cause all your cancer's gone!

Chorus:

You saved me! repeat 3 more times

(You saved me, I'm not worthy, but you..)

...Gave me a second chance! (Oh, Yes You did!)

You saved me!, repeat 3 more times

You saved my life, you save my soul!)

REPEAT CHORUS UNTIL FADE

(I'm so glad you are! I've got you.)

Nobody, but you could pull me through!

You save me!

REMAIN BLESSED! BYE -MEETTA

COMMUNITY CORNER

MERRY CHRISTMAS READERS!

Here is a list of tips on...

how to survive the winter season and the holiday activities!

#1. Take quiet time to rejuvenate.

Pray, read the bible, meditate daily.

#2. Get plenty of rest when possible.

#3. Remember to eat healthy at least at breakfast to keep your energy up. Don't forget to eat a mid morning snack, fruit or grains.

#4. Don't skip on vitamin supplements. Stay Healthy!

#5. Don't be alone for the holidays!

Go be around other people in a safe and joyous environment.

Go visit friends or family.

Not invited anywhere?

Open YOUR HOUSE to the destitute, singles and lonely people you know!

Find a church that is open. It helps to be in a God filled place.

#6. Exercise regularly during the holidays.

Exercise relieves stress and tension. It also releases chemicals that create a "High" or "Happy" feeling. Because of that, exercise also helps stave off depression and sadness.

#7. Get in touch. Phone, Email or text people.

#8. PAMPER YOURSELF!

#9. SMILE ALOT!

Smiling relaxes the face and helps to better your mood.

You may find smiling at someone else changes even THEIR MOOD and disposition.

SMILE! Smile even for someone else.

You never know what they are going through!

#10. Clean your home. Create a clean and tranquil environment around yourself.

#11. Treat yourself!

If you find yourself alone, treat yourself special!

BATHE, get cleaned up, dress sharp or pretty, do your hair, makeup, shave, put on cologne.

Set the table even if just for you.

Cook or order a special Take out meal from your favorite or nice restaurant.

Dine wonderfully!

#12. Get Active! Don't be idle.

Go ice skating, to the movies, start or finish a creative project.

Do something to keep busy part of your holiday. Beat those holiday blues!

#13. BE A BLESSING!

VOLUNTEER.

Do something special for someone, ANYONE!

Take the focus off of yourself.

#14. REFLECT ON THE GOOD OF THE SEASON!

HAVE Fun, Meetta

MEETTA TALKS!

HEY YOU!

Yeah You! How are you doing reader?

Honestly, I want to know! REALLY!

The Holidays are coming up and I am thinking of you! I don't know you, but if you are one of the lonely, trying to figure out how you are going to make it through this amazing holiday on your own...then my thoughts are WITH YOU!

As I was sitting at this computer checking out the stats on my blog, I was thinking about what next to write. So, I went into my saved posts, viewing some of the article drafts waiting to be finished (it's a number of them I've got to complete. Good stuff, so hold on for those!).

Still something so pressing seemed more important at the moment.

That is "the lonely".

So many people are either alone, REALLY or feel alone, more around this time of year than any other time and that can become a problem! People get really sad around the holidays for a number of reasons! The depression rate is said to go up along with the suicide rate.

PLEASE PEOPLE, HEAR MY PLEA...

AND DON'T PUT THAT PERMANENT SOLUTION ON A TEMPORARY PROBLEM! PLEASE listen to what I'm saying!

If you are not thinking about suicide, then good!

Don't be thinking about anything else bad either, like throwing back a few too many or ending up in places, with people YOU KNOW YOU SHOULDN'T BE! Loneliness and frustration can bring about desperation. That combination can wreak havoc on one's mind especially right now!

Don't set yourself up for consequences you are not prepared to deal with. Don't mess over yourself.

You are valuable! Remember you have a purpose!!

You have to be around and in your right mind to fulfill it!

God would not have created you if you did not have value or purpose!

He does not waste his time or energy on useless things!

You have purpose! I don't know what it is, but I believe for you.

I wish I had some great fulfilling words of comfort, knowledge and wisdom to give you, but I don't! What I do have is Love.

The only way I know how to get it you Dear Reader is to write you. If you could see my face or feel what my heart feels right now...Stranger, Friend, even Foe...then you 'd know the sincerity of my words! I really don't believe in wishes, rather I believe in prayer, hope and faith.

I believe in endurance. Whether I run my race of life slow and steady and you run it fast, only the one who endures really wins! As it is written,

"The race is not won by the swift, but by those that endure."

So hang on! Endure.

Believe it or not there are others who are just trying to hang in there too! Actually, they need more than to just hang in there! They need to come out better, on the other side of things!

I know that may not really give you much comfort, because who are these people? It would be better if some of you could get together encouraging one another and not be alone. But unfortunately, I can't make that happen! What I can do is tell you I'm one of those people!

My family is not all that close. So my son and I are left clinging onto each other with our faces upwards and our hearts open to Christ. Knowing that there is someone greater than man, all powerful, thinking about us, gives us great comfort and the strength to go on, through even the roughest of storms!

Also, one of my dear friends is in the middle of a divorce and foreclosure.

She has to move out of their home in a few months. She's got to go stay with relatives. That's hard for a head of a household to do! Depending on someone else, living in their household, not having any control over what's happening. Only having control over how you choose to deal with it. My friend, she's a tough lady, though! If they cast her in a movie...she'd be the Kick a.. drill sergeant or super cop / secret service / FBI agent that either saves the day or goes down fighting, giving her all! She'd be a hero in the movie! She thinks I am one of the strongest people she knows, (granted my friend knows things about me that you don't Dear Reader), but my hat goes off to her!

Seriously though, my friend is also laid off! She doesn't have enough money to purchase even a special Christmas Dinner, let alone purchase her two boys something for Christmas! They all need new beds. Their bed frames broke and their mattresses are on the floor. My friend works for temporary agencies... when they call... while she is beating the pavement trying to find work. The ex- won't help! He left her and his family in the midst of her lay off... to go to fulfill "HIS DREAMS". (By the way , she doesn't mind me telling you Reader. In fact she said, "If what I'm going through helps somebody else... If your Readers get something useful out of my trials then... WRITE IT, MEETTA!"

She was telling me that her husband (soon to be ex) owns their only vehicle and so she's taking the bus, but can't afford winter boots for herself and it's getting COLD! Everything she gets from her extended unemployment goes right to trying to keep the basics on, phone, lights, heat (she's received a shut off notice on top of already struggling). Outside help is limited.

So many people are running to organizations for help with the economy in such bad shape. She has limited money for food and transportation.

Her and her husband were together and married for 20 years! She was crying on the phone to me over Thanksgiving saying it was the most miserable Thanksgiving she and her sons ever experienced! She had no clue as to how she was emotionally, going to get through the Christmas holiday being that her family is busting up!

She is really catching it right now!

So you see Dear Reader, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

There are others that are struggling right along with you! Just like them,and myself included, YOU ARE going to make it too by the GRACE of God! Just so you know...

the definition of God's Grace is - a gift that you did not deserve nor

can ever do anything to earn!

God gives it to you freely! Just give him thanks and BELIEVE!

My friend and I pray together. When we do, we sometimes pray others in hard situations too! We pray for the lonely, the tired, the worn down by life, the frustrated, the hurting, the broken hearted, the financially strapped. We pray for single mothers and the Fathers, spouses. We pray for our children, for employers for better jobs. She and I pray for strangers, for those that God places on our hearts because HE KNOWS WHO YOU ARE! MY FRIEND, D. AND I pray for one another. We thank God for each other!

We thank God for you, that you be strengthened...WHO EVER YOU ARE!

We pray and we encourage one another in person when we can see each other. Other wise we speak to each other daily on the phone. Sometimes we call each other several times per day particularly now! We laugh, we watch TV by the phone. ( We live a great distance from each other and neither has a car, So we keep each other company by phone and "watch" a program together). It's hard right now for her! Like some of you, it ain't so easy for me either!

Like I told you, my family is not close!

My son and I are pretty much it for the holidays! Plus, I'm single. I need a better paying job. Also, my job is winding down, being laid off at the end of the month. Need another one, soon. Been looking for months. It's tough!

Anyway, my friend, she's used to decorating and cooking a big turkey, laughing and playing games, visiting relatives on Christmas day together with her husband and the boys, stopping by to see her adult daughter. Life gets tough sometimes and it is in our best interest to look out for each other!

Usually, redirecting your focus, putting it on someone else helping them through their tough times, actually goes a great distance to lifting you up! If I can say anything to you Readers during this holiday season, let me say this, "THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE IN EVERY PLACE. HE WATCHES ON THE EVIL AND THE GOOD."

Proverbs chapter 15 verse 3.

That means that God is aware of you! He knows everything that you are doing and dealing with. So, if you happen to be one of the lonely or even if you know of someone who is struggling this Holiday season, remember that verse. It will give you and them comfort, perhaps even establishing hope in you.

I don't know you, but I love you through the spirit of GOD!

Hang in there Dear Reader, It's only temporary! Problems are just temporary though they hurt like the dickens! Dear Reader,

...I will remember you in my prayers for God knows who you ALL ARE!

The word of God moves me to pray, sing and celebrate even and ESPECIALLY THROUGH THE the tough times!

The spirit of God, (if you believe) ...heals.

"I Call him love" Song by KATHY TROCCOLI

VERSE 1

Some called him a Prophet.

Some called him a Saint.

Some couldn't believe their eyes or the words he had to say.

Some called him crazy, some thought he was strange, but I have felt his touch and I'll never be the same.

CHORUS;

I call him love, I call him mercy.

I called him out of my darkness and pain and he answered my need.

I call him love. I call him healing.

He is the one who has filled me with hope and restored life to me.

I call him loooooove!

VERSE 2

Some call him a mystery, a power without a face.

Some feel he 's a distance Father, that they could not erase, but I have felt his touch and I' ll never be the same, NO!

CHORUS;

I call him Love. I call him Mercy.

I called him out of my darkness and pain and he answered my need.

I call him Love! I call him Healing.

He is the one who has filled me with hope and restored life to me.

I call him love, 'cause he reached out to me, I'm overwhelmed by the Grace I have received!

CHORUS;

I call him Love! I call him Mercy!

I called him out of my darkness and pain and he answered my need, yeah!

I call him Love. I call him Healing.

He is the one who has filled me with hope and restored life to me.

I call him Loooooove!

I call him Love. Mercy, mercy, mercy. I call him Love.

I call him Loooove!

I call him Love. I call him Mercy.

I called him out of my darkness and pain and he answered my need.

I call him Love. I call him Healing.

He is the one who has filled me with hope and restored life to me.

I call him loooooove! Mercy.

I call him love.

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!

I call him love.

He gave me Mercy. He gave me Healing!

I call him Love.

He is the one who gave me hope! I call him Love.

Mercy...

I call him looooove!

He is the one who gave me hope...(fade)

READER,

May God's blessings (gifts) of love, of hope, courage and Mercy pierce your hearts , heal them and fill your life!

May he fill you with himself this holiday season. May you ask him to!

Bless you ...Meetta

MERRY CHRISTMAS! I MEAN THAT...choose to make your holiday MERRY!

On tHE jOB-"I come...I Go" , Part 2 of 2

Investigating the philosophy of...

I COME...I GO!

"I Come (to work), be pleasant while I am there, do my job and... I go home!"

I have heard this philosophy from readers of my blog posts over and over again!

Some people have said to me, "I DON'T GO TO EMPLOYEE HOUSE PARTIES, BB Q'S or hang out with many of my co-workers or in any situation OUTSIDE OF WORK!"

They say, "I come...and I go!" They say that it keeps down the chaos in their work lives!

Because of all the crap that people bring to work, some workers prefer to just be left alone and go their merry way! They don't socialize at other co-workers houses. They don' get caught up in the outside of work-activities of other employees. Readers have also said,

"I don't take their (my co-workers) mess home with me ."

"I am not interested in having relationships with people at work. " I prefer to just be able and allowed to do my job." One reader said specifically that, "I (she) have established personal relationships and have a strong family circle, I don't need that (those kind of relationships) here (on the job). I don't confide anything personal or deep with them. People talk too much at work!"

Oh Yes! Most of the readers that commented also mentioned that IT IS important in being "polite" or "hospitable" with their co-workers, no matter what their position! But still maintained that they found it "NECESSARY " to keep their lives separate.

Starting at the beginning of the year,

I, myself, personally adopted that philosophy, because...

I too found it "necessary" to keep my life separate.

I go to work, do my job, listen, I give respect where it's due and ...I GO HOME!

Some of my co-workers commented on how fast I move out of the way when it's time to go!

I don't hang around for conversations with certain people. I leave the rumor mill behind every single day! I don't want to hear who said what, about ANYBODY! While at work, outside of conversations directly related to the job, I don't keep up chatter with too many people anymore! I certainly don't mingle with people I KNOW have been cruel or mean to me or anyone I know! I am never mean, I just simply leave them doing what they do, even if I pass them in the hallway etc.. I don't entertain cruel or gossipping people! I also don't entertain people I don't have anything in common with!

Oh! I can work very well with anybody! I just keep it work related!

Unwarranted conversations and relations just add too much crap to the work environment and I don't want to be apart of that in anyway! And that should be OK! But, for many people it's not OK because their focus is not just on the job, it obviously extends to them wanting something else out of their work environment and their co-workers.

So, NOW that I have been adopting this attitude of "I come...do my job...be pleasant while I'm there ...and go home...I get talked about even MORE! People are saying I have changed. Because I just don't "smile and wave' showing that bubbly, tolerant (passive) side of me people have said that I'm "mean" now! Even though I don't lash out. I just "Come and go"! They say "Something must be wrong with Meetta!" Someone on my job, came to me and said,"people have come to me and said they've noticed a change in you and asked ME what's wrong with you ."

OH, I AM SO LAUGHING RIGHT NOW!

Think about that Reader, if they are so concerned about me,

Why are they asking someone else about me? Why not ask ME about ME? Seriously folks, come on!

Because I don't speak so freely in conversation anymore, (being cautious of the rumor mill, for one thing) people are asking questions.

Some of the people he's talking about have much to do with the rumor mill.

They are just being nosey! So for that, yeah, I have changed!

And in any case, the person, that their asking about me, He doesn't know me like that! I hardly ever even see the man let alone have a conversation with him!

People have other things to do... IT'S CALLED WORK PEOPLE!

Here's something else, another person actually said to me a few months back, "People are concerned about you BECAUSE YOU DON'T SMILE AND WAVE when you come in, like you used to! We're just not used to that about you."

Keep in mind that this is the same person who told me way back that "You have that personality that people love and gravitate to. You're, just so BUBBLY! YOU KNOW HOW TO BE A FOOL." I was looking her in her face when she when she said it so, I know she meant that as a compliment.

Because I am a story teller, I work very hard at how I accomplish my job!

I am very animated, using my voice, face, hands and body language to "paint a picture" for the guests. I put much effort in the way I get my my point across, making sure that the guests understand and "FEEL" what I am trying to convey! There is great passion in the way I tell a story. Still, all of what that person said, didn't sound so great the way that it came out

of her mouth. Especially considering the fact that she said it to me, in front of 2 new employees (newbies) who had no idea of my work ability nor where this person was coming from when

she let those words form. After she had gone, the 'newbies" and I spoke briefly and they commented on what that person said. They were very embarrassed for me because of all the things she said, All they heard was "MEETTA IS A FOOL!"

So now, putting all this into perspective, why so much concern about my waving and smiling is starting to make some serious sense. Some of my co-workers view me as undeniably talented worker, with a bubbly, foolish personality, but not a person to be taken seriously! HMM. So because I no longer seem "bubbly" and "foolish", showing my more serious side, They don't know how to take me! I GET IT!

Reader...

It's not like they are complaining to me about my abilities on the job or bad things like insulting guests. They can't say that because I don't cause problems like that! Their concern is about THEMSELVES really! I don't come in waving and smiling making them feel better!

While smiling is wonderful, to much emphasis people...too much emphasis!

Geez, come on! I wonder what would happen if they "Waved and smiled" for themselves!

Anyway, why are people always looking for someone else to make them feel better?

"Make your own selves happy!

Nothing changed about me, I'm still the same person!

Obviously they never really were interested in what was underneath all that waving and smiling! So superficial, I tell ya!

That is the type of thing that continues to change the work atmosphere for me.

A "real friend" of mine who is also a co-worker thinks this has a lot to do with the fact that some of those employees don't realize I am intelligent, deep thinking, thoughtful person with great creative ability that include engaging people, story telling , acting and writing! I have concerns and very deep thoughts as you can see from my writings. I have a lot going for myself! In 5 1/2 years, for all of the interest in me, some of these people still have not figured that out! But is that MY problem?

Now, "I come... and I go."

I have a family, goals and dreams. I have friends outside of work! There are some things that are just deep and wonderful about me! For being on the job, they put too much emphasis on my waving and smiling. I do have this reputation of being able to strike up a conversation with anyone at the drop of a hat! I usually, thoroughly enjoy people! I love meeting new people because they each have a story, who are they? Where do they come from? Each person has interesting experiences to share. I love meeting new people! That's a major reason why

I am good at my job! I don't want to smile and talk all of the time to my co-workers!

I speak for a living and I prefer to give what I have, mostly to the guests!

That's why I'm there folks! AND IT SHOWS IN MY WORK!

See, I have my quiet moments too! Need to have that! Internal peace is a necessary part of healthy living mind and body! The concern was for my lack of showing my "bubbly" side (as one co-worker said to me) is just too ridiculous to me. People have told me, "when I would see you come in, waving and smiling, you made me feel better." Want to be happy, why can't they make themselves happy instead of wanting me to provide that for them in some way! So, I don't always feel like waving and smiling.

OY VEY!

That reminds me...One of my Readers also said, "WHY CAN'T PEOPLE JUST COME TO WORK, DO THEIR JOB AND LET YOU DO YOURS? I DON'T UNDERSTAND IT!"

That Reader also said, "SEE, THAT'S WHY I COME.... AND I GO!

What the hell? That is exactly what that is! Hellish that people pay more attention to me smiling and waving and make a big deal out of it, asking the someone else, what's wrong with me? P-SHAW! Why can't they see that there is more to me like when I am being serious, speaking intelligently on something important like...work!

People can be so superficial.

Now they say, SOMETHING MUST BE WRONG WITH ME!

(I am laughing out loud right now!)...

WELL, YEAH!... The negative atmosphere that was allowed to take over the work place. I used to ABSOLUTELY enjoy working where I work! That has somewhat changed. So many people have allowed their personal miseries to infiltrate so many others. Let me just come... and go!

SEE YOU LATER, READER!

MEN, WOMEN & Children-REJECTION, final

Hey Dear, Reader!

Welcome back! This is part 4, the final installment on the series of Rejection...

"When relationships go awry and children are involved"

...My son, who is 19 now, once told me "Mom, whatever happens between you and Dad affects me! So, do something to make it better...PLEASE!"

I was stumped for WHAT TO DO, Let alone IF I SHOULD DO ANYTHING!

You can't make someone work things out with you.

You can't make them listen OR CARE!

But for MY SONS SAKE and for my own...I embarked on what turned out to be a fruitless journey to make amends with my sons Dad.

THE DAD once told me...

"Because you don't want me, I don't want him!"

Wow!

I could not believe that he let that thought manifest and come out of his mouth! Talk about some hurt!

You can't fight that! Not hurt like that!

Somewhere in his life, that man had to be hurt deep down to his core to say something like disowning his son, and then act upon it!

I am wise enough to know that the hurt he felt wasn't all about me! I know it wasn't!

THAT KIND of hurt comes from somewhere else! Somewhere, somehow, somebody hurt him long before me and he never healed. He just stuffed it down and carried it around. So, when he felt new pain, he unleashed ALL of his pain on the people closest to him. How could I battle something I did not even understand! I didn't know hurt like that! I couldn't fight that battle.

At least, not on my own so, I gave it up to God.

I still keep it in Gods face, if you will. I refuse to take that burden back.

Maybe Dear Reader,

You will come away from this thinking differently about your own family situations. Maybe you will even start to appreciate better what you have! Maybe you will just have more sincere compassion for people who are going through. Maybe, just maybe!

Now, Moving on with the article.

....Rejection hurts ALL of us! Anybody with a heart! So, Can you imagine what rejection does to a child, a young person especially when that rejection comes from a parent? In particular,

for a male child, to have that rejection come from THE DAD?

Do you know what that is like?

So now Reader, about the topic, can you feel what I'm saying to you?

Oh! My son? He is a great person! Well liked, not a trouble maker,

Talks a bit too much at times though! He accepted Christ and striving to live a life as a "True Christian". He takes the Lessons of Christ, to heart!

He enjoys the church communities that we have been in.

He is in school, and in a Businessman entrepreneurial program on his job. Yes! He is working! Per hour, he is making more than Mom does right now. So he is excelling, surpassing the parent, as our seeds should! Your kids are to go further and do better than you!

So it is, as it should be, even at this point! It has to happen some day, why not now when the blessings and opportunities are there to help shape and mold him for the future?

My son is also very creative. He's been writing short stories, songs and poetry for most of his young life. He's a "techy" too!

Whenever I have computer trouble, he's the one I talk to first!

He's not a teenage Dad, gang banger, crazy person, drug abuser, or any such stereotypes you could think of for a single parent kid. So, he is a kid you would think a Dad would want and certainly be proud of!

He certainly is a son that this Mom is grateful for!

Still, the issue is dealing with the hurt of broken relationships, when the hurt is very real and still there even a little. If it was just me, and I never had my son, when a relationship is over, it's over! but when a child is involved then it becomes something else! The child needs provision, nurturing, discipline and also need understanding when it comes to the broken relationship between Mom and Dad. My son wanted to understand HIS PLACE in the middle of us! Unfortunately, His Dad and I were both stubborn, selfish people and was not always looking out for our sons best interest, particularly when the relationship first went bust.

Even quite sometime after, to be honest with you.

It was easier for his Dad though because HE did not have our son to raise! Our son was not in his face 24 hours a day.

So, he didn't witness our sons pain... but I did!

In response to witnessing that pain, I had to face my selfishness and stubbornness as hard as

it was to look in THAT MIRROR! In facing that though, I was was moved to embark on what turned out to be a fruitless journey in trying to make amends with the dad.

Like Rodney King, I thought, WHY CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?

I phone calls to the Dad, sent letters, tried to set up meetings with us to sit face to face and talk! I even apologized for the wrongs I caused between us! Even though he never apologized for his! I started shunning those people who told me not to try to resolve this!

THIS WAS NOT THEIR LIFE ! AND CERTAINLY WAS NOT THEIR KID they had to think about! As you can imagine, I dropped a few of supposed "friends"and some family members during this time!

STILL, I keep at it, trying to explain and clear some stuff up. I tried to point out our son's pain making that the issue to focus on! We needed to focus on what WE BOTH were doing and have done to cause that pain in him.

I offered solutions to letting go of our hurt towards each other.

I shared everything I could with the Dad and even answered his questions when he asked them. The last time I tried was 1 1/2 years ago. My son also used to call and visit, trying to establish a relationship with the Dad, and get to a point that he could tell him how he felt.

It didn't work. NOTHING WORKED!

I don't try anymore and neither does our son! Our endeavors were fruitless except for the changes that happened within my son and myself! We are stronger, wiser, closer, more forgiving, patient and loving because of ...experiencing THE DAD!

Still, on this past Monday on November 9Th, our son sat before me on his 19Th birthday and sucked it up, AGAIN! He told me and himself, without looking into my eyes that,

"I KNOW DAD LOVES ME."

"DEEP DOWN INSIDE, I KNOW HE DOES!"

Reader, I realize that I have opened myself up to you on a very personal level, BUT

My columns are about informing (educating), inspiring , AND supporting.

And many times, the only real book that some people ever pay attention to

and take from is... the "book" of someone else's, possibly YOURS!

So, without fear, I open up mine to you.

And again, I ask the question Dear Reader,

"When relationships involving children/young people go awry,

How do (did) YOU HANDLE IT?

Also, if you have gained anything positive, from reading this post, what is it?

On extended families, would you ever consider becoming a Foster Parent or adopting?

To comment, click on the pencil at the end of the column.