MAJOR EXPLOSION

Tonight we began our first of regular Thursday night BBQ’s. Sixteen attended. That’s a good number for us. I did my best to make sure this was not a “come to the free meal” event. It was my desire that everyone brought whatever he or she wanted to cook or have cooked. Naturally it didn’t work out that way. Three people brought extra “for those who come without something of their own.” It worked out as five came looking for someone else to provide food for tem. Some want a handout; others want to provide the handout. I guess it all works out in the end. Think I’ll keep my mouth shut.

Chas was one of those encouraging people to come and brought extra so “others” would have some when they came. As much as I tried, everyone he invited he told there would be food provided.

Yesterday Chas spoke with the big manager. He took Gail with him to help keep focused. That was a good decision. Gail kept him focused and on track. He primarily addressed the issue of his plants being moved every day. She confirmed that the lower patio area was put there for wheelchair use. He should report to her the next time his plants are moved. They also addressed Hazel’s movement and removal of signs that seem to trouble her. It was suggested she might have some sort of compulsive disorder. Amen to that.

Then this morning, Chas’ world blew up. I have heard only pieces of what happened. Already I have heard three different versions. I am still trying to mesh the stories and find common ground. Fundamentally it seems to go like this. The manager talked to Hazel about her compulsive disorder. I doubt that label was used, but an attempt was made to get her to stop. Later that manager met with Liz, the offending plant mover telling her to stop moving the plants. That took some time. So far so good! From here the story splits into three distinctive trails. I first learned there was any issue when Gail came by to ask if I knew where Chas was. She believed he was inside but not answering the door. I walked down to his apartment with her, knocked loudly and asked if he was okay. “I’m fine. Go away.” Right. We trained observers immediately know that when someone says, “I’m fine,” and immediately follow up with, “Go away.” They are upset. I have a minor in counseling.

I did the right thing. I went away. Back to my dirty apartment that I had been cleaning all day, except for the times I played on the computer and watched my taped version of “Last Comic Standing.” I edited out all but the comics. Did you know that the one-hour show is only 20 minutes long when you do that? But I digress.

Gail went to see Doris and see if she could find out what was wrong. She returned with story one. As I was setting up for the BBQ a few hours later, Maria reported story number two – the wildest of the three stories. I won’t go into that now. During the BBQ Kiki gave me story number three. Here is where the stories line up.

Chas ripped out all his plants. Not just the ones on the patio, but also the ones he planted along the front of our building. It looks bear and naked, barren and ugly. He was crying as he did it. He then locked himself in his apartment, was not answering the door. And fell into deep depression. How he came to this point is debatable. Even people in the same room do not agree on what happened. The blowup occurred at coffee and conversation. No one seems to know exactly how it began. Even the person making the initial comment is in question. The comment its self is in question. It is agreed that there were four around a table plus Chas. Doris was in the kitchen. The fourth person and the speaker whose comment led to the explosion was either Liz or Andrea. Liz has been the primary thorn in the flesh to Chas, the one moving his flowerpots. Andrea on the other hand is more often at coffee and a very opinioned former teacher who will say what she thinks without regard to where the chips may fall. Until I know for sure I assume it was Andrea, as I have never seen Liz sit there for coffee. No one remembers what was said only the after math, the verbal explosion.

The woman was first in raising her voice, but Chas quickly followed. A few exchanges occurred before Chas powered up his wheelchair and sped away. His door was locked – it’s never locked. He was silent to any who came to the door. He did not come to the BBQ. He is so far down, he can’t see up to bottom. He reacted. We who know him wish he had sought counsel. He didn’t. It will be several days before he comes out. Teams are lining up. There is team Chas and Team anti Chas. This will be hard to remain neutral but I promise to be Switzerland. It has to power to divide our once somewhat pleasant campus. He was egged on. He has been egged on for sometime. He reacted and deprived us the beautiful garden at the front of our campus. I am sad. I will remain in my room for a few days as well. The place is a pigsty and really needs cleaning. I started today. I know I can finish within a week. I have a great book I can hardly put down, oh and I plan to clean.