A Loss For Words

I am a person that does not like drive-thru windows.  I make every effort not to use them - much to the chagrin of my wife.  I like walking into a fast-food restaurant to place my order, even if I plan to return home with the food.  I also like to walk into my local credit union branch even if I am just withdrawing some spending money.  Over the years, I have built a relationship with staff at local fast-food restaurants and my credit union.  While we are not close, these people and I have come to know a bit about each other over the years.

Yesterday, a woman walked into my credit union branch, told the teller that she had an explosive device and threatened to detonate it if she was not given a bag full of cash.  I learned about this while reading the morning newspaper.  I also heard a news report on the radio.  I have been so upset that I have felt ill. 

Earlier today, I had to make a deposit into my credit union account.  What does one say to staff on the day after an armed robbery?  

I walked in.  I could sense that the environment was different than usual.  As it happened, I ended up being served by the teller that I have known the longest - I knew her even before she began working at the credit union many years ago.  All I could say was, "I am so sorry for and upset about what happened.  I hope everyone is doing OK.  Let's leave it at that."  She completed my transaction and thanked me with a tear in her eye.

I will do all I can to help the staff at my credit union branch to return to not seeing everyone that walks in the door as somebody that may attempt to rob them.  Unfortunately, it will likely take years for many of them to get back to that point.