Tuesday, January 20, 2009

A Day To Remember

First of all, my congratulations to the new President of the United States, Barack Obama. I listened to part of his speech this morning at work and was inspired to hope for a brighter future.

During the speech of the President with my co workers, I knew I needed to go home. I was sick and getting sicker. Nothing serious, just an infection with antibiotics that weren't working fast enough.

I had just gotten home, changed my clothes, crawled into bed and was on the verge of sleep when my cell phone rang. It was one of my closest relatives. When I answered, it was actually the Branch Manager of one of our local banks. He told me who he was and said my family member had just been robbed. Suddenly my adrenaline kicked in and I was no longer sick. I could hear her in the background sobbing. "Could you come to the bank?" he asked, "Are you in Salt Lake?" I told him yes even though I was on the other side of the valley. I told him I would be there in 20 minutes.

I do not understand why people rob banks. The tellers do not keep much money in their tills so it is of little value to rob them only to be caught and spend 20 years in prison for armed robbery. We have had a rash of robberies lately. Maybe it's the economy that has driven people to do this. Whatever the reason, someone had now just hurt my family.

My hubby was away from home and I frantically called him so he could run me into Salt Lake. We (he) drove like maniacs or tried to. But we made it there in record time. As we pulled into the bank parking lot there were 6 or so police cars and 2 TV photographers. I hardly let the car stop before I was out of the door.

I was stopped, of course, by the police and explained who I was.

I walked into the bank. I am mature, I told myself. I am older. I cannot be weak, I cannot cry. When I saw her standing there shaking I crumbled inside. I just wanted to hold her and make sure she was OK. Physical she was still in tact but emotionally she was horribly shaken.

A man had walked into he bank, waited in line and she had asked to help him. He handed her a note that she really can't remember EXCEPT it said he had a gun. She turned to her till and gave him all her money. Not a fortune, like many people think. Defiantly not worth the threat on her life and not worth the price he will pay for doing this.

What upset me the most is this person has now destroy the feeling of safety and well being of this entire family.

I hope no one ever has to go through this or have a family member or close friend go through something like this. Customer Service employees, no matter what they do, are not paid enough to be held up and have their lives threatened.

With the new beginning in our country fresh on our minds I hope this little family can deal with this the best way they know and move past it to a better and brighter tomorrow.


For those who rob banks and threatend peoples lives.....I hope you enjoy stripes!

15 comments:

pan x 8 said...

I'm really sorry for what your family member had to go through! I can't believe that and my heart is pumping just for her ~ you're right, I can't imagine the horror! I'm glad she is physically ok and will have her in my prayers for comfort.

Tracy P. said...

Oh no, Marrdy! I'm so sorry you had such a traumatic day. I'll be praying for all of you--may you comfort in the protection she received.

At the risk of being totally calloused, since you went to the trouble of finding the silly cat in stripes, I have to say that the title BELOW him looks like a confession.

;-)

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh! I am so sorry! I can't even imagine what she is going thru. Im glad she is okay and I hope that person who robbed her goes away for a long time!!!

Do you need anything? Is Grandpa home with you so you are not alone?

Adiel | Rose Gold Lining said...

Oh my gosh! That is nuts! At least she had someone to come be with her! Good job Marrdy! You're the best.

If you're not feeling well tomorrow, we can reschedule lunch!

Unknown said...

so sorry! That is horrible . . . hope you feel better soon :)

nikkicrumpet said...

YIKES...how scary for her! I don't think any of us can even imagine how terrifying that would be. I hope she finds a way to work past it. She's lucky she had you there to give her some strength! I hope that catch the creep who did it!!!

Anonymous said...

Very scary—I can't even imagine.

Emily K. said...

Oh, it makes me so angry that people are so selfish. I am so sorry you guys have to go through this. I'm glad she didn't get hurt physically, and I hope she's okay. I hope they catch the guy. I'll keep you and your family in my prayer and hope you feel better soon!

Pancake said...

Oh Marrdy!
How awful that must have been for her, well for you BOTH! I am glad she wasnt hurt physically. What a trama..

Will they provide counseling for them? I hope they catch them!!

Glad you were able to get to her fast!!

Keep us posted!

Marrdy said...

Thanks much to everyone for your concern. I spoke with her this morning and she is doing much better. Her kids actually thought she was kidding. The police do have crisis counseling that will call her and help her deal with everything. Needless to sy she is not at work today.

I am getting better. Thanks for checking. I should be 100% tomorrow, I hope!

Anonymous said...

Dropping by from sits. Sorry to read this. Prayers going your way.

Liz said...

Oh my! That is so awful. I'm so sorry for your family member, I can't think of anything scarier.

Aunt Julie said...

I hope they catch the bad guys, too! Good for you for being supportive and coming to the rescue so quickly. You are a Rock, Marrdy!

Lula! said...

Oh, Marrdy...seriously? I cannot believe this happened. So sorry. But so glad she had you to be there for her...you are GOLD!

Anonymous said...

awwww... That's awful! And the total OPPOSITE of what Obama envisions for America... It's sad that it never would have happened had the robber been watching Obama's speech, don't you think?