The Horse is fired from his job for a strange reason
By The Horse
@TheHorse (205817)
Walnut Creek, California
June 14, 2017 1:02pm CST
I got fired yesterday, and it was for a reason that I find to be rather silly, though I do understand.
I was out with a 12-year-old kid client who wanted me to buy him Mortal Kombat X. He is homeless, and suffers from depression and anxiety. I told him that Mortal Kombat X cost's $20, and my budget for him is about $7 an outing.
I suggested that we save and just buy smoothies for the next three outings, and then I could get it for him if it was OK with his mom.
He said, "I don't want to see you any more. I'm going to find a better Mentor." I gave him my Supervisor's name and told him I'm miss him. He said "I don't care."
When we got back to his house, I told his mom that I'd been fired, and commenced to play with my client's five-year-old sister and seven-year-old brother, both of whom adore me (and me, them). I'd been their older brother's Mentor before, so they've known me "since they were little."
After about twenty minutes, my (former) client emerged from his room (they just scored some Section 8 housing--I hope they can keep it) and apologized for his behavior on our outing. He said he looked forward to seeing me after my vacation. I told him I was glad that he'd rehired me. He felt better and even let me play with his fidget spinner.
My real reason for playing with his sibs (aside from the fact that it was fun) was to give my client time time to change his mind about firing me. I didn't want him to feel anxious while I'm on vacation, thinking he'd really fired me.
There's teachable moment here. He told me he didn't know that X was the roman numeral for 10. I'm going to print out a sheet of roman numerals so he can know which version of his violent games he's looking at.
38 people like this
37 responses
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
14 Jun 17
@TheHorse I went hunting with my dad once and shot a rabbit. I will never shoot another animal. I wish it had never happened. It's an awful thing for a child to take a life but maybe it's a defining experience that shapes us for the better. I hate remembering it.
3 people like this
@andriaperry (116860)
• Anniston, Alabama
15 Jun 17
@TheHorse I used to go but the guy shot a deer and I will never forget it dying, I have not went back nor do I care to hunt animals, I can live in vegges if I have to.
@TheHorse (205817)
• Walnut Creek, California
14 Jun 17
I really adore this kid, and I think he knows it. He feels safe when he's with me, and that's important. He's one I'll try to keep in touch with after our (second) run together is over. I get to see him for about four more months.
2 people like this
@TiarasOceanView (70035)
• United States
14 Jun 17
haha cute. Glad you got your job back.
1 person likes this
@TiarasOceanView (70035)
• United States
14 Jun 17
@TheHorse As they would say in England..what a cheek he has lol
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (205817)
• Walnut Creek, California
14 Jun 17
@TiarasOceanView He's a cheeky kid (Did I say that right?). I adore him.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39515)
• United States
16 Jun 17
perhaps he 'twas actin' 'out a bit, knowin' that'cha were gonna be gone fer a much deserved vacation? i'm glad ya stuck 'round 'n let 'im figure out his feelin's a bit.
many teachable moments from what i read here 'n ya did well, my friend!
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39515)
• United States
19 Jun 17
@TheHorse yer welcome. i 'twas jest thinkin' how this young fella's come to rely'n yer smilin' face, charmin' wit 'n the fun y'all've together. big hugs!
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (205817)
• Walnut Creek, California
19 Jun 17
@crazyhorseladycx I think he can sense that I care deeply about him as well. Hugs back atcha.
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (129481)
• Israel
5 Jun 18
@TheHorse
I am so glad that you got rehired again and that he had time to think about his behavior and you were rehired back. You are very good at what you do. Do kids still play with spinners? I thought they were long gone and kids were on to new things.
1 person likes this
you did the right thing by giving him time to decide. Sometimes people take on the spot decisions are only regret later
@DaddyEvil (137142)
• United States
18 Jun 17
It was bound to happen, pony... I am glad you handled it the way you did. I know that many people would have just gone on vacation and let the kid worry about it while they were gone. (I've never understood the attitude of "Let that be a lesson to him." when it involves unnecessary anxiety.)
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (137142)
• United States
22 Jun 17
@TheHorse You did great, pony!
If only human kindness was a required course in schools, the world might be a tad better off... And pigs will fly one day, too. SMH!
@Jessicalynnt (50525)
• Centralia, Missouri
15 Jun 17
That's...a pretty funny thing there.
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50525)
• Centralia, Missouri
19 Jun 17
@TheHorse Well I suppose it's also a good thing, they feel comfortable to let you know when they arent happy with something, even if it's necc the correct response (is this a big problem or a little problem?)
@blitzfrick (2890)
• United States
14 Jun 17
Not predicting this kid will be one, but I've known wife-beaters who go through the cycle of abuse, remorse, apology, maintaining, repeat.
Why give an at-risk child a game of violence?
1 person likes this
@blitzfrick (2890)
• United States
15 Jun 17
@TheHorse isn't it time to wean him off? not my biz, though.
@nanette64 (20364)
• Fairfield, Texas
15 Jun 17
Kids!! What-r-ya-gonna-do. I'm so glad he came around @TheHorse . I love that pic. Kinda looks like my place except for the grass being nice and short.
1 person likes this
@andriaperry (116860)
• Anniston, Alabama
15 Jun 17
"His Violent Games?!"
I am glad you did not let him manipulate you into buying that game, he sure tried! Firing you like he did.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (205817)
• Walnut Creek, California
16 Jun 17
@responsiveme Often that is the case.
1 person likes this
@responsiveme (22926)
• India
16 Jun 17
@TheHorse and somebody who doesn't react ....And also it can't be family especially moms
1 person likes this
@dodo19 (47082)
• Beaconsfield, Quebec
15 Jun 17
That was definitely a good way of handling the situation. Sometimes, we get upset and say/do things that we regret later. I'm glad that he got the chance to calm down and he was able to apologize. Sticking around for a while was definitely a good idea on your part.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (62172)
• United States
16 Jun 17
Did you ask for a raise when he re-hired you?
1 person likes this
@DWDavis (25812)
• Pikeville, North Carolina
15 Jun 17
You were wise to give the boy time to think about what he'd done. I find many middle school kids, especially those from single-parent households in economic distress, only want what they can get now, and if you don't provide, they lash out, but given time they come around and realize they were wrong.
1 person likes this
