Tuesday, March 3, 2009

911 - We Have a Problem

The economic times have hit us all hard. And today while I was reading online articles in the office diligently working in my office, I came across an article in regards to the rise of suicide in light of these challenging times. It was talking about how workers were being laid off and they could not bear to go home and tell their families, so they were taking their own lives. It was appalling.
On a separate note, in the office space above me is Bank of American (Hellllooooo Bank of America). This week, almost a quarter of the employees were laid off. And I watched them carry their boxes to the car -- and I saw their grief and the weight they carried. And it was heavy.
And today (like an hour ago) as I sat in my office (diligently working) I kept hearing a BANG outside my window. And I looked to see these ropes....AND I KNEW. The Bank of America employees.....Nooooooooooo! I banged on the window -- I tired to yell -- but no one could hear.
So without hesitation, I picked up my phone dialed 911. Oh look at him -- he might still have a chance.
"YOUR WIFE WILL UNDERSTAND! You can move in with me! We have extra rooms! Can you hear me? Hello? Don't end it this way!"
Uhm, exsqueeze me? You don't look like a Bank of America suicidal former employee to me.
Oh no.....I felt relief ....followed by deep panic.
And I picked up the phone, "Uhm 911 -- I'd like to cancel my order." Gulp.

12 comments:

Babbles said...

I just started this time-consuming form of entertainment called blogging. I love your blog. I love your stories. You are so creative and entertaining. As you said, in times like these, we all need more laughter. Thanks for sharing.

really.truly said...

I don't comment often...but, I had to tell you....you are one of the funniest people I have ever "met"!

You always have me laughing....unless I'm crying(reading about ET's adoption etc).

Thanks! :)

Marchelle said...

i just want to know if he saw you taking his picture.

Marchelle said...

and FYI - i voted for all the food. hope that doesn't jack up your poll. i'm hungry, it's lunch time, and i'm eating salad. and i'm hungry.

PEE ESS ~ the DQ opens in a couple weeks. pray for me.

Dreams of a Country Girl said...

yes -- he saw me...and i just smiled, winked, and gave him my sarah palin "click click"

Anonymous said...

You are freakin' hi-larry-us. Did you reall call 911?

"Hello... It's Me Again..." said...

I know exactly what you mean by the people being laid off and depression and all. I work in a large church and we've had two very prominent business people commit suice in the last week leaving families with small children behind. It's a sad time.

These Are The Days said...

CG, you are one CERRAYZEE chick! Love it. So glad it was a false alarm!

On a serious note, my sister in law saw a man jump off a high rise bank in Salt Lake City years ago, landed right in front of her...not pretty. I feel SO SO bad for all those getting laid off and for those who are so ashamed and depressed that they feel they need to end their life...if only they realized they can make it through it, that it's not their fault. Prayers for them for sure.

Dana and Daisy said...

I guess you will look twice before adjusting your undergarments with the door closed!

Nostradana says we are not at the bottom yet, for a long while. Hold tight. This too shall pass.

That's what Steve calls me. I told him over two years ago we were headed for a recession and we better prepare for a stock market crash. He laughed at me. I don't know how I know these things except that I just had memories of how things fell apart in the 80's. I had what I call an "inkling". I get them all the time and most of the time I am right, maybe not right when I think, but generally you can tell, things are not at the bottom. Gee maybe I should post about it?

p.s. it touches me deeply that you emailed me today to ask about things.

Anonymous said...

The funny thing is that I actually do work for a 911 center and we take calls from people like you all the time...HA! HA! On a serious not, suicide are up, and I do believe the economy has a lot to do with it.

The Kelso-Winter Family said...

this reminds of the lady who called 9-1-1 and said "i'm trying to reach 911 but there's no eleven on my phone" 911 Op says "9- one-one and 9-eleven are the same thing" Caller: "No they aren't? Do you think I'm stupid?"

Caroline said...

My first reaction to this post was one of panic as I actually saw someone attempt suicide by jumping off the side of a building during college and I was about to pour my heart out to you...but then...I should have known better you crazy lady! :)

Kelso-Winter Family --- HeeHee, that is worthy of a cheesy forward email with redneck photos.

xoxo KB