Blue Bow Tie, White Polka Dots

Hello, Benjamin from Brother’s Campfire here!

On June 11th, 2021, I wrote

How the Cow Chews The Cud and Diminutive Dots.

In it, I outline a few bad experiences with abusive supervisors. I am confident abusive people started down a road and passed a lot of stop signs getting there.

Coming back from vacation, I put my game face on, and with it, a blue bow tie with white polka dots as outlined in in the above-mentioned blog post.

Attending the morning meeting with the suit types, I received nothing but compliments.

Not one to hide in an office, I completed rounds and greeted those in our care. Only one person out of literal hundreds made fun.

Not him. He is from Pixabay Prison and probably chill.

I may sport it again.

It was a cool challenge, and the bow tie may become part of my wardrobe off and on.

When I got to the office, I found a box of business cards on my desk, there was a brand new swivel chair and the mini fridge was stocked with energy drinks, snacks and chocolate bars. I gained weight and pimpled out just looking at it.

I was touched this week by the care and concern my supervisor put in to making everything so cool when I returned.

The atmosphere was different this week overall. Did it have it’s problems? Absolutely. My line of work can get stressful quickly, but it was easy to brush off.

Yesterday, I had little supervision and made a pointed effort to be effective. Recently, I had made a joke that I goof off when my boss is not around and resolved to make my statement inaccurate and make as many meaningful contacts as possible.

In this pursuit, I was doing my self assigned rounds when I approached a cell door where noise emanated. A man was praying his heart out asking for peace in the prison.

Could it be that he had been praying and God heard him?

Author: Benjamin

Benjamin Thiel is a husband, father, correctional professional and author of The Ongoing Tale at Brothers Campfire.

35 thoughts on “Blue Bow Tie, White Polka Dots

  1. Anonymous says:

    I think God did hear him. You rock the bow tie. I hate bad supervisors. They can make your life so stressful.

    Reply
    1. Benjamin says:

      Indeed, Anonymous! I agree. Thank you for the compliment! Bad supervision is tough. I like what I have going on and I do not take it for granted.

      Reply
    1. Benjamin says:

      One would wonder what the 10 other doctors had to say. 3 out of 4 dentists approved.

      Reply
  2. kagould17 says:

    Still rockin’ that bowtie, Benjamin. It is always a treat to be welcomed back to work by a supervisor or manager who only realizes how valuable your contributions are when you are away and they have to pick up the slack. So, the new perks, whether appreciation or bribery were warranted and are the sign of a good boss. Cheers. Allan

    Reply
    1. Benjamin says:

      Ha ha! Thanks Allan! It is a neat job coordinating volunteers, scheduling events, and helping people!

      Reply
    1. Benjamin says:

      Thank you Doctor Christa van Staden! Yes, abuses abound, and how one deals with them is the measure of a person. Thanks for stopping by today!

      Reply
        1. Benjamin says:

          Education is important. I would love to hear ideas about the method as it is important to my line of work.

          Reply
          1. Dr Christa van Staden says:

            I would like to do some research about it, especially as teachers are bullied in the workplace. But, it is not confined to this sector, it happens everywhere. The bullying you referred to is horrible, and it impacts om emotions as well as efficiency of work.

          2. Benjamin says:

            No doubt! When you choose to present said research, I am more than excited to promote it. This is a real-world concern.

  3. Beverly says:

    Perseverance paid off, nephew, well done. He placed you in the right place, at the right time. So happy for you. Bravo on sporting the tie that day and periodically, your boss is happy they made the right choice in selecting you for the position.

    Reply
  4. Terveen Gill says:

    You look great. Quite the gentleman. And hope you are up for many future challenges. Good luck! 🙂

    Reply
  5. Whiskey Bravo says:

    Thank you for sharing! I find it intriguing that we may be praying the same prayers as those in our care… without ever knowing it. Peace in prison creates opportunity for growth and healing.

    Reply
  6. Sarah Angleton says:

    I’m very fond of bow ties. My oldest son wears them every chance he gets. Lends him confidence I think. Maybe there’s something to that.

    Reply
    1. Benjamin says:

      I agree! I would like to bring back the cowboy hat as well, but not with the same outfit.

      Reply

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