This Saturday I had the great honor of attending my daughter’s swim meet. I won’t go into details about where they were held or for what team. That would not be fair to the bitch at the door.
I arrived at the meet a little frazzled trying to get too much accomplished – I had dropped off said daughter and ran to a coffee shop to work. I was popping in to see her first race, then off to food shopping, then back to volunteer to work at the meet and enjoy her last race.
I was a bit suprised when I arrive that they were charging admission at the door. Back in NJ we do not – so I never expected to need cash. I was relieved when I realized that the mom at the door taking cash was from our team. I quickly introduced myself, explained that I was running in to see a first race, and I would bringing back my $5 when I ran out between events and volunteering. I was thrilled to be meeting a mom from the team since I am the new mom on the team.
This woman blasted at me with a vengeance and tone fit only for someone who just ran over a puppy – she cited league rules with a bitterness that literally made me take a step back, “I can not let you in without paying,” “everyone would be running amuck,” “you probably will not come back with the money.” I explained that I had given my daughter cash for the team breakfast yesterday and had yet to get my change – she suggested I text my daughter, pull her away from the team, even though cell phones were not allowed on deck. She told me to text another parent on the team to come and give me cash, I replied “I’m new, I don’t know anyone here.”
She was so mean from the minute I put out my hand to introduce myself to the point where I was at least five feet further back. She is on my team…our team…I was coming back…I explained to her that I was also about to miss my kid’s first race. I’m new, explained that but not as an excuse, just please do not make me miss my daughter’s first race.
To gain entrance she demanded my PA driver’s license. I surrendered it quickly and dashed up the stairs and made it just in time to see my daughter’s first race. As I left the building (to run errands and get cash) she said “Ma’am, did you forget something? You owe me $5.”
I wanted to ask her where the ATM was in the stands – since, as the NEW MOM I had clearly missed it. Instead I clearly explained AGAIN that I was going out to get the money. I didn’t even know where a cash machine was in town!
Her sidekick behind the folding table suggested I take my license back since I would be out driving. I snapped “oh, thank you, I was not dare going to ask for it back.” Bitchy, yes – ok, we all lose our cool.
At the heart of this I felt really bad for this poor woman. Afterall, she had the opportunity to make a friend, do something nice for another mom, take care of a newbie, and put out some great karma to the world. She knew who I was, could easily track me down if I never paid, but instead chose to be a complete bitch. She clearly does not know how to be team player, help others out, or most importantly how to help another mom out.
But here is where I can show her the way – so, to the bitch at the door – if you ever need anything from me…AT ALL…I am here for you. You see, I am the type of person who understands that we all make mistakes and when I can fix a problem for another I do, or help another mom out, on her best or worst days…I jump at the chance. Need something retweeted, an onion from the grocery store, your kid needs a ride home, a blue sweater on spirit day – knock on my door, heck give me a call and I’ll bring it over. And for the love of all things holy – if you ever need an IOU on a swim meet admission I’ll just give you the money. To repay me you can take me out for a cup of coffee and we can get to know one another – mom to mom.
