Sympathy is rare in prison. You just don’t see it; you just don’t get it.
The day of self-defense training I brought a doctor’s note, submitted it to personnel, and explained its purpose.
“You need to fill-out a ‘Leave of Absence’ form,” the Personnel Director advised.
“Huh? What for?” We’re all expendable; I realize that.
“You need to fill-out a ‘Leave of Ab…’”
“To be excused from self-defense training?” I interrupted, not wanting to divulge too much of my medical history.
“Come back later,” she suggested. “We’ll have the application ready for you.”
They must’ve thought I had fallen off the turnip truck and landed on my head. Signing this form would give administration the right to fill my position, making my return questionable, if not doubtful; I knew that much and I certainly knew I couldn’t do the high kicks with a double hernia repair scheduled for the very next day. (So there it is, now everyone knows.)
After missing five days of work (I used my regular sick leave) and upon my return, numerous prisoners began complaining. “How are we supposed to get an education when you’re not here?” They’re more concerned about earning fifty-nine cents for each class session.
“Next time I have surgery,” I said, “I’ll hop off the operating table and come straight here.” Thrusting my index finger in their direction, I added, “I’ll do it JUST FOR YOU.”
I’ll be the first to admit that my attendance hasn’t been perfect. Some of you may already know that my grandmother passed away last week, meaning more time off. Again, I used sick time—for bereavement. Again, the complaints.
Why explain? Why defend myself? I haven’t been convicted of a crime. I’ve only taken what I’ve earned.
***
Excerpt from "Riding the Hubcap" by Dorene O'Brien
7 comments:
I'm very sorry to hear about your grandmother, and the health issue. Yeah, not a lot of sympathy in the world sometimes. I did get quite a lot when my mom passed, but that's a different sort of folk than you are dealing with.
It's NTDB. "None of their damn business."
Enjoyed the read. Picture of our mortality.
I betcha feel it in your stiches. MW ;)
Sorry to hear about your Grandmother. MW is right it is NTDB. As far as sympathy goes, how much did you get from the blonde bimbo? Not much I expect. Keep on keepin' on.
JR- it's very unfortunate that things happen. Family dies, we get ill and if we have earned the time off, no one deserves to know anything. Can't believe how little they look out for you as an employee. We try to be much more compassionate with ours. Life happens. Be well after your 'double'!
I'm really sorry, JR. I said that last week, but...damn...you've had such a rough time. You're right. It's none of their business. It's mind boggling that they want you to fill out a leave of absence form for missing self defense. You have earned the time off!
Oh man, I, too am sorry about your losses and your hernia op. Sick Time should be beyond questioning, as should bereavement time. Tough all around. Trade in our hours for a handful of dimes. Whatever works, man.
Yes, sorry to hear about the last couple weeks. Hope things are improving for you!
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