Garage Sale 2

Only two patrons at my garage sale irritated me. The housekeeper from across the street arrived in the morning, poked through everything, didn't speak or understand English and wouldn't accept any of the prices. I finally got rid of her by accepting ten dollars for whatever she had chosen. When she returned later, I just waved her off and refused to acknowledge her.

(More than likely she is undocumented. She keeps the four brats who have lived across the street for ten years. I've called the police on them a couple of times. The language heard has actually angered my son who was a Marine! The kids yell, cuss, and swear at their mother in English! I'll be surprized if those boys, who are now young adults, stay out of prison.)

The second was a large Haitian man who jumped out of his van and yelled for me to come to him immediately. He insisted, loudly that he wanted a pile of sheets for bargain. I kept shaking my head no. He yelled, "Bargain." So I walked to the pile, counted the pillow cases--50 cents each. Sheets $1.00 each, originally I had wanted $2.00.

" No," he said. "No good."

He and his wife spoke in Creole, so I walked away.

Then he yelled at me and motioned for me to return. I shook my head no. He walked to me and insisted that I return to count the sheets and bargain.

There were about ten people at my sale at this time. I had my wheelchair, but wasn't sitting in it. I stayed where I was and yelled; "I am an American. I do not bargain."

He looked contrite, shook his head, spoke softly. His wife got in the car. He said "I want to buy."

I walked to him, counted the sheets and he gave me ten dollars for the stack which was the bargain price of $1.00 each. I noticed that everyone in my yard, had stopped, listened, watched, and smiled. Several shook their heads yes. A couple of people stayed to talk with me afterward saying that they are sick of Miami life too. Afterall, this is America. I felt vindicated.