Strangers

When WKBN came out with their article regarding John's PCR, I received a message from another woman who is known in the community. I reached out to her a few months ago when I found her in one of the groups I'm in on Facebook. This woman, without hesitation said, "call me".

I'm not a people person, let me rephrase. I am incredibly awkward around people I don't know. I have zero social skills and am often blown off if I randomly engage with people. It's weird. I'll smile at someone in the grocery store as I pass them and in return, I get the most off-putting look ever. I don't even know how to explain it.

I made the call and shared John's story. She told me about her son and what went wrong at trial. She shared her website with me and even gave me a contact for an Attorney in Columbus. I didn't reach out as we retained a local one, and I'm content with him. He's done everything I've asked, he's even dealt with my crazy manic episodes.

Saturday morning, I received the message "call me after 3pm". I did respond but didn't want to call as she works nights and I didn't want to bother her. She sent me a friend request, and I did what every normal woman does, stalks the page. She isn't well liked in the community, but she has a huge following and is knowledgeable for those of us who are new to the "prison" world.

After my basic stalking I thought "I have to start marketing more". Yet I'm afraid to make enemies or cause backlash for John. I don't know if exposing the truth on my own is the proper way to go or have faith that someone in the courts will speak up and rule on John's side. Part of me wants to me so ruthless by calling each individual out, but the other part says "God's timing, remain faithful and he will deliver". I'm so torn!

If anyone has any marketing ideas, I'm all ears. I feel like I should be further than where I am in the 16 months I've had focused on his case. Such is life.

I've been selling some stuff on marketplace. My first time ever and I swear I can't sell snow to an eskimo but here we are. Anyhow, a few months ago I had a guy in PA reach out regarding an item. I met him at a local truck stop; we talked briefly and went about our day. Friday night I get a message on marketplace asking if I still had an item. I responded "yeah". The individual responded, "will you take --". I declined as it was a lowball offer. I said, "I'll sit on the stuff before I take a loss like that". He responded and eventually caved stating "I'll see you tomorrow". I wasn't hopeful and ignored my phone most of the day.

I received a text from an out of state number that said, "I have the money when can you meet". A number that looked familiar and had an earlier conversation. I scrolled up a bit and realized it was the same guy from a few months ago. It didn't dawn on me when we were communicating through messenger. I responded back asking if we were meeting at the same spot as before, he said "yeah see you in 30".

I jumped in the car and had a full-blown conversation with God. Honestly, I think it was him talking to me. I planned out the whole conversation I planned on having with this guy, that way I'm prepared and don't stumble on my words, you know the socially awkward thing! I get there; get out of the car and I'm like "dude I didn't know it was you messaging me". He said, "I had a feeling I said man this girl doesn't know it's me". I explained to him the situation and said, "I'm not in the business of ripping people off so here's the deal, I need a favor". He said, "what is it I gotcha". I asked him if he would hand out my business cards to his people, so I could get John's story out there. He said, "girl heck's yeah you give me as many as you want and I'll make sure they get out there". I told him the first time I met him about John, so he knew the situation. Instead of being on guard he was open, non-judgmental and accepting. We talked briefly about our past and went our separate ways. I got in my car to leave and thought "I love meeting new people". I'm still that awkward girl, but once I become comfortable, game over!

Two totally random strangers who didn't judge, didn't condemn, didn't look at me any different. Wish I could say the same about my life-long friends. You know, the ones who keep telling me "Meg, move on quit wasting your life". The life I built, the one where I decide what I want to do or not do. That life, I'm wasting away. Eh, the nerve!

Cheers to friendship, old and new.

Proverbs 27:9. Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel