Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Just When Things Were Going So Well

I wuz robbed. Seriously. I realized it after I hauled my laundry to the launderette and opened my car trunk for the supplies I keep there, all newly replenished and unused, I might add. They were gone. Last week, when I picked up Flip's suitcase full of clothing from the first nursing home, I left it in the car so I wouldn't have to carry it up and down stairs next time it was needed. The suitcase is gone, too, plus an expensive bicycle pump, never used, and many tools of various kinds. I wonder what else was stored there that I can't recall. Yet how can I complain when Flip is losing everything?

For several days I've been putting things in the back seat because the trunk was full. There is no sign the lock was jimmied - the culprit must have used a skeleton key or something. He's done it before. I suspect it happened the other night when I was parked about 1/2 mile from the ER in a neighborhood so dodgy that one of the security guards escorted me to my car about 1:15 am. I should mention that my car does not look as if it would have anything valuable in it.

Flip and I picked out two matching suitcases on wheels a few years ago for a trip to New York. Mine was red and his, green. Now his is gone, and the symbolism is blatant. It makes me very sad.

What kind of person would steal laundry supplies? I cannot fathom the level of depredation that requires.

17 comments:

Tanya Brown said...

What kind of person would steal your laundry supplies? A junkie. There are unfortunately people who will steal and try to sell anything.

I once overheard a story in which a woman donated a quilt to a homeless shelter. It was a gawdawful ugly thing, comprised of experiments she'd sewn together. The shelter director was delighted. Evidently in that neighborhood, the homeless folks were strung out. Anything which wasn't hideous or nailed down would get stolen and converted to cash with which to buy booze or drugs. The quilt lasted a couple of months before being stolen, which was tantamount to a major success.

I'm so sorry for the additional ration of hell.

nick said...

I was wondering that myself - who would want to steal such a random selection of bits and pieces? But Tanya's probably right about junkies. How shitty that you're given yet another problem to deal with on top of everything else. And yes, how sad about the symbolism of the missing suitcase.

Bob said...

When I started reading your post, I first thought your apartment had been broken into. On that scale, I'm relieved.

It is still a crappy thing, though. I'm sorry that it had to happen to you on top of all else.

heartinsanfrancisco said...

Tanya,

A junkie. Of course. I should have known. I do seem to be in Fate's crosshairs right now, but I'm sure there's a lesson in there (besides not leaving things in my car,) probably having to do with the impermanence of material objects. Or else I was very bad in a former lifetime, although I would rather not think so.

Nick,

Of course Tanya is right. The neighborhood is conducive to crime. I'm very relieved for the escort to my car or I might have been mugged or worse.

Bob,

My apartment would have been far worse. I do believe the lesson for me is in letting go, which is very hard. Suitcases and bicycle pumps don't matter much, but how do I let go of my husband?

Jo said...

Talk about kicking a person when they're down...!

I wish I lived in San Francisco. You need someone to treat you to some good things, to counteract all the unfortunate things you have been going through lately. I would treat you to dinner somewhere, just to get your mind off things for a while, and maybe help you with Pekoe, and some of the other things you need to do ~~ laundry? You need a break...! Oh goodness...

heartinsanfrancisco said...

Jo,

You are always so kind and caring. I got lucky when we became friends. I don't need any help with Pekoe - he is keeping me centered, but the rest of it sounds wonderful! I am enjoying the thought of a lovely dinner with you.

e said...

Oh dear! Unfortunately, I think Tanya's assessment is spot on. I wish I could replace what you've lost. As for Flip, keep your eyes and ears open for good people to help you both with this transition. Best to you both.

Friko said...

Anything that isn't nailed down and can be turned into cash is fair game for a thief desperate for the next fix, maybe.

I am so sorry that you have lost one more symbol of life with your husband. While his stuffs around, he is around. Or at least you can kid yourself that it is so.

I am so very sorry. Damn the bastard who stole the contents of your boot. They'll probably be looking out for your car now.

Thank you for leaving the very detailed comment for me. I am sure my friend would find it most helpful. I hope she will come and read it for herself.

Maria said...

It's one of those icky life rules. When things are at their worst, something bad happens.

It is probably the number one reason why I am agnostic. I just can't fathom a world where bad things happen to people who are already stressed out.

When my sister was undergoing chemo for her breast cancer, she became very sick with the flu. I was so pissed off that I went out in my yard and shook my fist at the sky.

"It should be a rule that when one has cancer, they should NEVER have to even put up with a cold, let alone the FLU!" I screamed.

Since I don't know if there is a God, I'm not sure if he/she heard.

You know, I think Pekoe is a gift in a way. Sometimes when you are stressed, it helps to have someone smaller who needs you. Strange but true.

mischief said...

Oh Susan,
Things have to turn for you soon. You are owed so many trouble-free decades. So many. I keep trying to make the fates send them to you starting NOW. I wish I could do something, I really really do.

Anonymous said...

This, that, this sucks. Crap.

I can only hope that whoever stole your laundry stuff was someone who needed it more than you. I don't know. When does the good karma bus come along? You have paid your fare and have been waiting long enough?

heartinsanfrancisco said...

e,

I've been trying hard to find a good situation nearer home, so far without success. Now the hospital is keeping him medicated so he won't get out of bed or cause any trouble. This just gets worse and worse.

Friko,

I send my most sincere wishes to your friend that her husband does not have this disease. It's one of the cruelest afflictions I know, but I hope she won't deal with it as an ostrich because she won't be able to help him with her head in the sand.

Maria,

I'm an agnostic, too. I cannot commit completely to atheism, but I've seen no empirical evidence either. I believe there is something, though, an energy to which we are all connected, and perhaps that is "God." If shaking ones fist were helpful, I'd be a damn windmill.

Pekoe is definitely comforting. I love animals and have missed having one since our last cat died. I also love dogs, but pets are not allowed where I live, and cats don't bark.

Lisa,

I so appreciate your efforts and am sure that we'll see results soon. Thank you. I believe that life seeks balance and that any day now, we'll experience happiness to the exact same degree we are currently sad. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

David,

Funny you should mention karma. I've been wondering if I was Vlad the Impaler or Rasputin in my last life.

I suppose an addict does need my belongings more than I do. I rather doubt "he" broke into my trunk hoping to find laundry supplies for his poor grandmother. Or a bicycle pump and suitcase. My $50 Thomas Brothers street map book of Los Angeles was spared, though.

molly said...

I'm glad you get escorted to your car. Better your laundry supplies and bicycle pump stolen than you yourself mugged or worse.....I had the same feeling, that there was a lesson about the impermanence of "things," when my precious Hummels and Waterford crystal were diverted, at the bottom of our driveway, from the official moving truck to the mover's own van, so that they never arrived at our new destination. You can buy more laundry supplies. Not so easy to get your Flip back. So sorry you have this crap on top of the already considerable pile.

the walking man said...

I could open your trunk with a tennis ball but as to who what or why *shrug* a thief is a thief. Addiction is an excuse.

Susan, darling one, you do not have to let go of Flip yet, he is different, very different, but he knows you love him and you know he loves you as he is able and that dear is something no thief can steal.

heartinsanfrancisco said...

MOlly,

So sorry about your precious collections. I had a 19th century Lakota full headdress which should have been in a museum stolen by movers. I had been managing a domestic violence shelter and hired men from a homeless shelter to move my stuff into storage. I paid them so well they nearly fainted with joy, so it was especially shocking that some of my treasures disappeared. I agree with Mark - addiction is an excuse.

Mark,

A tennis ball? Really? I am so naive.

Flip does still know I love him. He is being discharged from the 3rd hospital today to the 3rd nursing home, also in Oakland, despite my best efforts.

Anonymous said...

Hearts,
Despite all the downers, I am thankful for those understanding security guards and a doctor who finally listens and was willing to do what he could even when it was not their policy. I truly wish I was there to help.

secret agent woman said...

I don't know why, but this reminds me of going to New York and seeing cars with signs taped to their windows that said, "Radio already stolen" to keep people from breaking in. I've had my car broken into twice but at least what was stolen made sense - a radio once and my purse another time. But I do agree that people will steal anything they think they can get a buck or two for. Bites.