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Friday, March 6, 2009

One Born Every Minute...

Yup, I am that one. Could I feel more stupid? Probably not. This is the rest of the story from yesterdays trip to Relax The Back. I'm not proud, so I'll tell you my story as a word of caution.
When I got out to the parking lot and began placing my purchase in the back of the station wagon a young, clean cut Hispanic man approached me. He asked if I wanted to fix the chipped paint from my bumper. I said, "What, do you work for a body shop?" He said yes, but he was doing some side jobs to get money to pay the rent. His father was sitting in the (new) SUV while he talked with me. I said my car is almost 15 years old & I really didn't plan on doing anything to it. He said it would only cost me $100 and wouldn't take long to fix. I told him I didn't have any cash on me & he was so sweet to say that was okay, I could go to an ATM. (Shouldn't some sort of red light been flashing in my brain??Dumb. Dumb. Dumb.) Anyway, I called Patrick & asked what he thought and he said the bumper could use some work since some paint was peeling off. Go for it. So, I tell the young man okay, but where would he fix it. He suggested our house & I told him no, it is a condo & they don't allow anyone to work on their cars there. He said, well, I would have to buy him the paint, clear coat and turtle wax to do the job at Auto Zone anyway, so he'd do it in their parking lot. So, off to Auto Zone we go, the shill and his mark. Not only did I buy the 3 supplies he suggested, he asked me to buy him a soda pop too. AND I did! Sheesh, why didn't I buy one for his dad too?
While Casey (that was what his dad told me his name was) sanded and sprayed & acted like he knew what he was doing his dad, a small, balding fellow kept me occupied. He told me how beautiful my dogs were and he laid hands on Baby Rocket Dog (she had smelled the paint fumes) and knew what I will call Christianese...I asked him what church he went to & he vaguely said Pentecostal. I jokingly said, "You're not Mexican Gypsies are you? When it rains the paint will come off my car?" And he said oh no, his son was a good auto body man. He called me sister and told me he and his son, daughter and grandkids all lived in an apartment and the rent was due. He said he had lived in Seattle area and made easy small talk with me. Seemed like a nice enough guy. When Casey finished the bumper was covered in turtle wax and some gray over spray was on the regular paint. I said that looks weird and he said, no it'll be good, but you need to leave the wax on over night. And the over spray will come right off. CLANG. Clang. clang. Shouldn't I have realized this was a swizz? NOoooo, not me. I dutifully drive to the Credit Union to take out the cash to pay this little swindler and his dad. When I got home and looked at the bumper I got a really qweezy feeling in my stomach. Before Casey did his "job" on the bumper it had a few spots where the white paint had chipped off. Really not that bad. This is what it looks like today:

Lovely. I just hope they really needed the money, because my husband works very hard for what he earns and I feel like such a stupid, stupid woman. Patrick said we should be able to get it fixed, but I said I want to leave it looking that way as a reminder to me for being so dumb. The funny thing is, I never would have trusted these people before I was a Christian.

Yup, there is one born every minute. Yesterday around 1pm her name was Cassie.

14 comments:

Rev. Paul said...

Oh, Cassie, Cassie! Consider this a Blogger hug from your friends in Alaska. I haven't laughed as hard - in quite awhile - as I did at your photo at the top.

Live and learn, ma'am. Live and learn.

At least you know how to laugh!

Me (aka Danielle) said...

I don't think you are sucker. I think it truly speaks volumes about the kind hearted, and genuine person you are! I'm grown so cold and callus in my old age that I trust no one..which can be a bad thing!

Noah the Airedale said...

Oh no Cassie. That is dreadful. Sorry it happened to you.

Denise x

Busy Bee Suz said...

You know this happens all the time...and to the brightest of the bunch. We have good hearts and we are trusting. really though, you have to think of it this way, you may have fed a large family for the week. Even though they came about the money in a not so truthful way you still may have helped some innocent kids.
Let it go....we learn from our mistakes.

Rosemarie said...

Don't feel bad! Feel good that you are not someone who would do the same. And then feel bad for them that they would.

I think we all have stories where we felt like we were "taken" - it'll be OK. You seem to have a good sense of humor about it!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Oh Cassie, Don't beat yourself up... Those things happen. Maybe those people really needed your money....

I worked for the church for many years--and you wouldn't believe all of the 'crooks' who came begging for money. We had to get TOUGH --which is hard for us Christians. The churches started working together. We NEVER handed out money--but we would pay electric bills or buy gas in case of real need. We never gave someone MONEY. But--it's amazing how many 'cons' there are out there--looking for us, when we are at a vulnerable time.

Don't worry about it Cassie. Just be glad he didn't pull and gun and tell you to get MUCH more money out of your bank... OR--what if he tried to hurt you??? SO many things could be much worse.

Just don't feel guilty.. It's OKAY.
Hugs,
Betsy

Dawn said...

oh dear... i can only imagine how you are feeling... but that photo made me LAUGH!! (i feel as though i need one, too... as i was just voted (tricked!) into being secretary for the band boosters!) anyway... nothing to do but move on... and i hope that your hard earned cash is being put to good use, even if it they were dishonest about getting it. your trusting heart is a beautiful one...

reliv4life said...

OH Cassie!!! I am so sorry. Isn't it sad that we have to be suspicious of people in need? I am afraid with the economy this will become more common. Did you tell the police? they might let others know so it doesn't happen to them as well.
This just shows your kind sweet spirit - God will reward you ten fold for what you have lost. He sees your heart, not that label on your head.
Love From your Montana Neighbor - lots of snow here by the way!

DogzRock! said...

plz could u follow my blog.
I love ur blog and it would be an honor to follow each others blogs.
Thanx
travis!!!

Caroline said...

I am so sorry that this happened to you although it does sound like something that would happen to me. You see I really do like to think that everybody is good. I feel that it is good that we think this way although I am so sorry your kindness was taken for a ride. I try not to be bitter when things like this happen as bitter is not good for us. Just grow and be aware. It's a sad sad world sometimes.
Ha ha the photo did crack me up so at least we know your sense of humour is still intact. Just remember every dog has it's day!!LOL

Connie said...

Hugs to you, Cassie. That happens to everyone at one time or another--to trust someone who can't be trusted. It is sad and frustrating to have this happen because then it makes you wary of everyone--even those who ARE trustworthy. Don't be hard on yourself. It is not your fault that an unscrupulous person appeared in your life. You have a big heart and a generous giving spirit, my dear. Those are good things, you know. :)

Cassie said...

Yes folks, I've learned my lesson and let us hope the recipients of our $$ enjoyed a few good groceries! Our friend Mark told me he would have done it for $50! Haha hehe hoho! Blessings to you all.

Jen said...

What a couple of jerks! :(

Jen said...

What a couple of jerks! :(