I’m a huggie sort of a person I love hugs. Except today. My client gave me one to say thank you. It was one of those hugs I couldn’t pull away quick enough.

Everything I wore this morning is now in the wash. I’m paranoid to say the least.

This morning shift was one of the worse shift ever. 

I got to the station early. Then there was a mix up of the booking. The buggy went three times to the platform to find no client.

I thought I had an hour and 35 to get to the hospital from the station . I was dead wrong . I had 20 minutes. 

We looked for them twice on two different trains. They weren’t there . Then we phone their mobile . Left two messages no one answered. We rang their friend who assured us they were on the train. 

Which train? No idea. A metro train as they got a lift 2/3 of the way? Didn’t bother to tell us this.

Ummmm so off the buggy went back to the platform . Nowhere in sight. 

It was on the way back to the office that the booth rang us to say they’ve finally rocked up. So then I requested the buggy driver to drive us to the exit of the station for a quick get away.

It wasn’t the case. The client then told me they don’t know if they’ve got a valid Myki. What the? The poor driver’s face. I told him it’s okie drop us off here I’ll sort it out. No need to wait for us.

In the end the Myki was valid and it had some money in it. Thank goodness. My patience was wearing thin. 

We got to the hospital 10 minutes late. The receptionist was really nice so they got ushered through in 20 minutes? 

We got out pretty quick. Got to the tram stop they asked me if they could have a smoko. Told them no as the tram was coming in three minutes. 

As soon as we got to Southern Cross I dumped them at the perimeter to go look for when their train was due. It was so they could have their smoko.

Came back first time they said wrong train. It was the right one when I looked on the map. They didn’t bother to tell me. Nope apparently their friend was giving them a lift so they needed the metro train not the regional train. What the? 

So off I went for the third time. Came back told them the train was due in 20 minutes we’d better go. So the smoko went on the ground. Stomped on and that was that.

Oh I need to buy something to eat. Okie showed them the two cafes that’s relatively cheap. I knew they only had a few dollars on them.

A few minutes later. Coffee in hand they asked the cafe person to spread the butter on their toast for them. I was thinking here is hoping we make it. 

And we did . We got to the platform with 8 minutes to spare . I gave them instructions that it’s the second train that they need to get on. They gave me a hug and I left. 

Even walking away I was thinking to myself I hope they don’t get lost. But then it’s not my job to worry. I’ve done my duty. 

Okie may be I could have stayed back another 8 minutes to make sure they caught the right train. 

By then I just had no patience left. 

Imagine being hugged by an unkempt person. Reeked of alcohol and smoke. Wearing clothes that’s probably seen better days and due for the dumpster. Their toe and finger nails need a clipping. 

Yet from the look of it still had money for smokes and alcohol.

I’m just over it today. Don’t feel like I’m a nice person today. I feel like a judgmental person not very nice at all. 

What would have happened if I didn’t take the shift? They would have been stranded .

No money unless they got themselves to a bank as they only have a cheque book and no cards. 

No phone as they had left their phone in their friend’s car. 

No walking stick as they had forgotten it on the train.

On the way home I was thinking to myself how can someone like that get through life? And yet they do? 

Today made me realise how lucky I am that I still have all my marbles with me. Well most of the time.

It also points out where I do not want to end up. 

I may not know where I’m heading but I do know where I do not want to go.