phylis

Matt sure is lucky to have me. After all, if he didn't I am sure he would have been beamed straight up to Heaven by now. I guess that I know just how to push his buttons and get him riled up just enough so he isn't whisked away. Maybe that makes him unlucky. I have heard Heaven is a pretty spectacular place. I would love to go there, I would love for us all to go there, but maybe not just yet. So I keep things interesting around here just to make sure no one is getting translated...

Matt works with a grumpy (old) lady named Phylis. That is her real name. Names are changed to protect the innocent, and she's not. Anyway, I have nothing against older people, in fact, I adore them. Phylis is on my list. That's not good, since my list has less than 5 people on it. It takes a lot to get on my list. Being unkind to my mister is a sure way to get your name, in bold, on my list. I am not sure what I intend to do to/with the people on my list, but I am sure when I come up with something it'll be good.

Anyway, who on earth would be mean to Matt?!?!? Well, besides me, but I always apologize and make nice somehow. I digress. He is the sweetest, most humble, kind human being I have ever met. He has the most pure, charitable heart and would never intend to hurt anyone. I cannot tell you how many times I have been talking to someone about Matt, they figure out who he is and say, "OH! He is your husband? What a sweet, sweet, man you have. Oh, he is so wonderful!"

Everyone I know of (except Phylis) that works with Matt seems to adore him. They are almost always patient with him, and when we go shopping on his day off, he is treated like a celebrity. People drool over his adorable children and he beams with pride. Phylis must have it rough. She always seems mad and has a perma-scowl on her face. Matt says she is mean to everyone. Since Matt pretty much is a celebrity around here, my moles have reported that she bosses him around, talks down to him in front of people, and is just downright unpleasant. A friend of mine was in once and called her out on it saying, "You try to be in his body for one day and see what he has to live with". Phylis was always pretty nice to me. (She must not know about the spies.)

The other day I was in Walmart with Andrea and the boys. Matt usually works in the garden center so we were walking out that way to say hello. He met us on his way back into the store and said, "I'm not allowed to work out there anymore. Phylis said I am in trouble and can't work out there again." Apparently Matt had shut the gate after his shift and there was still merchandise outside for a sidewalk sale. He has to leave right when his shift ends or he will miss the bus. Sometimes the person to replace him doesn't get there in time. I feel bad for him because he was just doing what he thought was best. Phylis watched us have our conversation from afar. Matt was so sweet about it all.

On our way out I said "Phylis, what is the deal with Matt not being allowed to work out here?"

She immediately got defensive and had a rude tone in her voice. "Oh, he is never to work out here again. He left the gate when there was merchandise outside."

Me: "So he never gets to work here again because he messed up one time?!?"

P: "People could have stolen and we just can't have him leaving the door like that..." She was getting all huffy.

Me: "I understand that is a big deal, but if you would just talk to him and explain the problem he'll get it right away. He won't do it again. You don't need to treat him like he is stupid. He isn't stupid at all!"

P: "OH! I didn't say he was stupid!"

Me: "Phylis, you talk down to him all of the time. He is so sweet he just takes it from you. I'll call his manager."

I was so mad I just walked away (and proceeded to cry a little, but that's beside the point). I was glad Andrea was there with me. I was glad that I told Phylis what I thought. I just feel so bad for Matt when people treat him that way. I never want his life to be one bit harder than it already has to be. He is such a good person. I have no doubt that his reward in Heaven is bigger and better than I could ever imagine. It's so hard to see him hurt, frustrated, or treated badly. I feel so protective over him. I can't imagine what it would be like to have a disabled child. I don't think I could stand it.

I did call his manager. He wasn't in big trouble. They love Matt there and he does a great job. I'm proud of him.