While You Wait

Another day and another day in the town hall.  I got here just after 9 a.m., was issued with a number and….. that is about it so far.  While I have been waiting I have been chatting to a young lady, a victim of domestic violence and a rehabilitating addict.  She had just come out of hospital and arrived with a social worker and various bags of possessions.  She came in carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders, petrified that she would end up on the streets and not be able to cope.  I re-assured her that she had a great team of people around her and was in exactly the right place to make sure she did not slip through the net.  She has been into one of the side-rooms for an interview and came out with news of a placement just outside of the city.  The best part was seeing her smile and looking forwards instead of downwards.  In due course (i.e. after a suitable amount of waiting to indicate just how hard everybody was working), all arrangements were finalised, young lady and social worker sorted out belongings to go with and belongings to go into temporary storage, and the pair left with chosen necessities carefully packed to take public transport to her accommodation.  Knowing where they were off to I am just the tiniest bit jealous of the plush surroundings she will be enjoying, but at the same time eternally grateful for everything I had already received.  Just as the duo reached the exit from the town hall the young lady turned, waved and blew a small kiss.  Such a dear soul, I hope she finds her feet and begins a new and happy life free from violence.

For my part, I was waiting so long that the computer system threw me out electronically.  As one officer explained it, I was “aborted by the system”.  I won’t be offended that a computer program has described me as an abortion, nor do I see it as a day wasted.  It could have been more productive but it wasn't wasted.  I am back at the same place I went over the weekend – a sort of corporate sofa surf – guess where I will be going tomorrow morning?  Full marks for anyone who guessed “town hall”, I can barely contain my excitement….

I really shouldn't be so cynical; they try their best for everybody and between rules, resources and computer systems, they do the best they can.