Not Far.

I remember the clients whose issues I did not address.

One contacted me on the down-low, trying not to make known that our chatting on the street was more than friendliness.  There was talk in snippets, of the lack of employment in the life-plan, of the abuse, of the dilemmas faced as they contemplated a leave-taking in the eyes of children who loved the other parent.  

This individual stopped reaching out for advice, neighborly or otherwise. By observation and then another local third-hand account, I learned that instead of a big picture focus, this person geared their energy toward the smaller moments of everyday life, a visit with a family member from another state, or buying a gift for a child’s classmate’s birthday party.  

I was told that this client was ‘fine,’ a code word for anything but.

They had removed themselves from the social groups that could have led to economic self-sufficiency; a changed course drew them inward to a simple, isolated life driven by the wants and needs of the 5-year-old set.

The future would be as precarious as it was simple: few options.

One other responded to a dissolution commenced by a hyper-aggressive spouse who threatened all manner of criminal ancillary attacks.  Personal property was destroyed, Access to funds were cut off; even the housekeys and car keys disappeared.

Gainfully employed, they could move toward an independent life.

Except they did not.

An out of the blue e-mail told me to stop work as if I were more a wallpaper hanger than a carpenter, and the action more adornment than re-construction of their life.  My staff and I reached out to explain that this juncture was not the point to stop the forward movement; it was near to information that would make clear the extent of the spouse’s malfeasance.

Alliances were however much unbroken in that union AND deception was running the show. My office was told to release all encumbrances on the properties owned by the two because the properties needed to be sold to safe guard their economic futures in our current downward turning climate; my client was ALL IN with this plan.

I tried to suggest that their interests were not co-extensive with the spouse who shouted sell; I was though just the outsider in their system whose advice was left unconsidered.

I did not walk far with either of them.

Still, I hope I served them well.