2007-06-20 05:24
I fell asleep crying the other night. It has been so long
since I've done that. I don't recall the last time I did; just as
well- why would I want to really remember THAT!?Back in February a friend of mine and her son went on vacation- their
first time going "not camping" for vacation. They got on a plane and
visited Florida. What an adventure they had!
While gone their 12" G4 Powerbook, a recent gift from an uncle,
stayed with me. The boy needed a computer able to run iTunes. Mom's
comp and iTunes didn't get along, so the xmas iPod couldn't visit the
iTunes store. The powerbook had all the uncle's old files on it-
emails- everything.
Mom wanted the computer wiped out and set up fresh for them, but did
not have the software disks for it. I needed its O.S.X restore disks-
Uncle didn't know where they were, but was willing to buy the
software for upgrading the thing from 10.3 to 10.4.
A weekend came and went with no disks for the task. Expressing desire
for finishing fluffing up the Powerbook before the travelers came
back, Dad said his brother was busy. I said, "I'll get the software.
You can get the cash from your brother next weekend."
I sent the generous uncle this note with a scanned copy of the
computer store's receipt:
"Here is a receipt- I bought a copy of 10.4 so I had a disk able to
wipe out everything and start fresh. I'm setting up one admin account
(for system maintenance and stuff), and two non-admin user accounts
(the kind that can not change system stuff)- one for each. I also
installed a command line script called "Applejack" for
troubleshooting should the need arise. I bought a good inexpensive
book to help them learn the ins and outs of 10.4, and help set up
their internet stuff and email account in Mail, etc. Give your
brother (the Dad) a check or cash to drop off for me...
Have a great day!"
That was 5 months ago. After asking about the lack of cash response
to 3 paypal invoices and the above note during a visit with our
friend, the Dad, I broke down. It felt as if a floodgate opened wide!
I said something like, "In case you have forgotten, I upgraded the
software for the Powerbook 5 months ago. My time- a labor of love...
but the cash has been out of my pocket since February. We have
computer things of our own we need that money to be able to do. This
isn't fair, I would never disrespect you like that." Later on that
night I whimpered myself to sleep.
Good thing was two days after that weepy night, having let go of the
travisty, I got this note (slightly edited) in my inbox:
Leslie, thanks for helping. I will give the
money to my brother for you the next time I see him.. Say hello
to your hubby for me.
Progress for sure. But action is best. I'll be happy to see the cash.
And the lesson? My labor of love will only happen when the parts are
paid for first.