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[MerryBlooms]

This message was self-deleted by its author (MerryBlooms) on Sun May 10, 2020, 07:09 AM. When the original post in a discussion thread is self-deleted, the entire discussion thread is automatically locked so new replies cannot be posted.

[TEB]

1. You got them prayers

[MerryBlooms]

4. Thank you. My heart sank out of my chest when he told me he'd been moved.

[TEB]

6. Hey we're parents I get you and the fear

[MerryBlooms]

12. My sons and I are very close. My husband died in 2002.

We're all we have.

[Flaleftist]

2. If there are protesters hanging out with guns, there should be police there

to monitor them. That's ridiculous.

What kind of fucking losers hang out in a grocery store parking lot with guns? Oh yeah. Trump supporters.

[MerryBlooms]

5. It's an open carry state, they're not breaking the law

[Mariana]

21. Parking lots are usually private property

and property owners usually get to decide whether weapons are permitted on the premises.

[MerryBlooms]

37. i don't know. There are lots of pockets of protesters and they've been allowed

to protest. I'm not sure given the state he's in, if there would be incentive to break it up? I really don't know. I don't want to name the state, because I don't want to jeopardize my son in any way. There are groups of rw sites that stalk this site, and I don't want to take any chance on my son getting dox'd by them, they could get my son killed.

[Mariana]

50. I understand.

I suppose the owners might be concerned that calling in the cops to evict the armed protesters might result in violence.

My daughter works at a supermarket too. That kind of crap isn't going on here, we're a big hotspot and everyone know it, so most people are being reasonable.

[MerryBlooms]

55. My dad used to tell me there were three wasted emotions:

Jealousy, worry and anger. I've failed all three so many times, but have been able to crawl through. Since the horror of trump, I've not been able to shed the anger and worry. Now this week, the anger and worry has consumed me. I need to find balance, but I don't know how to or where to turn.

[OMGWTF]

59. MerryBlooms - Keep Breathing! You'll/We'll Get Through this with some Amazing Stories to Tell!

[MerryBlooms]

61. Yes, breathing is good. I'm listening to the neighbors across the street

right now. They're playing mariachi music and there are little girls squealing and giggling. I think it's a little birthday party. Super cute and it makes me smile. A little normalcy. Our county has gone over 2 weeks without a new case of the virus... It's nice to hear the children out again playing in the sunshine and the music.

[dixiegrrrrl]

87. Anger is a natural normal feeling. It's how people deal with it that can be a problem.

Anger sez wake up and pay attention, and under anger is always fear, and that fear is always about perceived loss.
You are in touch with the fear, and in touch with the loss of your son, a very realistic fear.

Do you have close friends or family who are able to just listen to how you feel, so you can ventilate some of the feelings?

[MerryBlooms]

94. No, they all know my son and get way too emotional and so it makes it worse,

that's why I posted here on DU.

[notinkansas]

110. I believe that,

but for some of us the wasted emotions are worry, worry and more worry.

Have to think that one of these days I will stumble onto that balance.

[msongs]

10. loitering, tresspass nt

[BigmanPigman]

14. Which state is this?

I want to add it to my "do not ever go there" list of cities and states.

[MerryBlooms]

86. Sorry, I've already said I'm not going to reveal which state, it could put my son in

even more danger. You sound like you already have open carry red states on your list, so you're good.

[ooky]

17. It sounds like they are loitering and the store needs to have them removed from their property.

[lunatica]

3. Remember that these incidents are very rare

And most people just want to intimidate others.

It would be good if these stores had a cop car in front so troublemakers think twice. It’s not like there’s too much activity out there that keeps the cops too busy.

[MerryBlooms]

8. As fast as the police were there, they must have been sitting close by

maybe monitoring the protesters?

[LiberalFighter]

34. Wouldn't it be something if a tank showed up face to face with them?

[lunatica]

39. Or something like this

[quakerboy]

107. Easy enough to arrainge

I mean, All we have to do is plant a few POC Occupy protestors in these attempted murder conspiracies, and LE would be out en force to shut them down in no time

[kag]

109. That's what I was thinking.

They save the "big guns" for the pot-smoking hippies and the grandmas who've been fighting for bodily autonomy for fifty years.

[lunatica]

111. When we all marched to the San Francisco City Hall

to protest George Bush’s war that’s what we were met with. And yes, we were a bunch of hippie families with kids and dogs and hand made signs.

[MerryBlooms]

41. omg, that would be awesome! My son would laugh his butt off.

[dawg]

7. Sending up prayers for your son.

It sounds like he's got a good head on his shoulders, which will help to keep him safe.

[MerryBlooms]

9. Thank you so much

[GoCubsGo]

11. "...no more guns than usual..."

Who the hell brings a gun to a grocery store??? I'm mean, other than someone who wants to rob the place. These people have serious mental issues. I hope your son can stay safe from these loonies.

[MerryBlooms]

13. It's an open carry state, and he sees quite a few guns daily

He usually works nights, but sometimes fills in on a day shift, and yep, folks shop with guns sometimes.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

20. Protection

[Captain Zero]

113. Thanks for this

Ty

[cayugafalls]

15. Sending prayers your way...may your son stay safe.

I hope you are both well throughout this time.

[MerryBlooms]

24. Thank you

[ancianita]

16. He needs Kevlar. And someone on security with a gun.

I'm frightened for him and you, too. This isn't fair. And it shouldn't go on indefinitely.

Hope you're in contact with him daily now so he feels your love.

[MerryBlooms]

25. I think these stores should have an armed guard

at the entrance.

[ancianita]

67. Me, too. Only customers & families of security people can pressure mgmt to arm their people or

up their salary.

It would only take one 'incident' for me to quit, no matter the bills I owed.

[Nay]

85. Ancianita, I was just going to suggest that he buy himself a Kevlar vest, or request the

store manager order one for him. Maybe some brass knuckles and bear spray, too. It's crazy to expect him to 'protect' a store with no way to do that. What's he supposed to do? Punch an asshole who's carrying a gun? Insane.

[MerryBlooms]

102. The bear spray is a great idea.

I will mention it to him tomorrow. I fear it's against policy though... Won't hurt to mention it.

[Nay]

115. Expecting unarmed young grocery workers to protect a store again gun-toting men is probably

against policy, too. In fact, it's probably against plenty of labor laws.

If I were he, I wouldn't even ask permission -- I'd just have it on me all the time.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

18. Protesters w guns in lawn chairs? That's the most imaginative thing they can do these days?

Why aren't they protesting that libraries be opened up?

Oh, wait, ... I can guess.

[MerryBlooms]

27. It's all bs and everyone with two brain cells to rub together know it

Their whole goal is to intimidate and cast fear

[mopinko]

19. well, i aint the prayin sort, but

i've got a big heart, and you just put him in there, and imma hold him close.
does that work?

[MerryBlooms]

28. It surely does. Thanks, Mo.

[Evolve Dammit]

22. "protesters in lawn chairs with guns in the parking lot every day" Where do you live? That is

really crazy. These folks have nothing better to do? What are they protesting? I hope your son is safe and this passes for you both.

[MerryBlooms]

29. He's in a red open carry state. The protesters aren't breaking the law,

but I'm guessing how fast the police were there the day my son was threatened, the police are close and monitoring.

[Karadeniz]

23. I hope no real nut jobs try stir up trouble with your son or anyone else...prayers done

[MerryBlooms]

31. Thank you. I'm scared that one guy is going to come back because

he was hauled off.

[MustLoveBeagles]

26. Prayers for your son

[MerryBlooms]

32. Thank you

[paleotn]

30. Good thoughts your way....

Aren't more guns than usual? Why on earth would anyone go to the grocery packing? Even in gun happy NC, I never saw open carry at the grocery.

[MerryBlooms]

33. Thank you. There are folks that shop with guns, I don't know what else to say.

He just said, "No more than usual.".

[paleotn]

35. Well hang in there. We're all on your side and hoping for the best.

[MerryBlooms]

43. Thanks so much. I've been so upset, but it's hard to talk to anyone

who know us, because when I told my one sister and a friend, they freaked out and then started crying. I just need some prayers, and good vibes for him. A neutral place where I can vent a little.

[MLAA]

36. Sending him 💕💕💕💫💫💫💫

[MerryBlooms]

71. Thank you

[oldsoftie]

38. Open carry is for suckers.

First thing a crook would do is take your gun. Element of surprise.

[Meowmee]

40. So sorry

What a stressful thing to be going through. I am sure he will be ok.

[MerryBlooms]

44. Thank you. I'm sure he'll be okay too, I swing back and forth with worry.

[Meowmee]

52. Understandable

I feel nervous about going to a store ever again, I have been in quarantine with covid pneumonia for 4 weeks. and now 2 neg tests. So I feel I will still have to worry until I get a good antibody test. And now with all of these accounts of the wackos I’m scared about that too. Wearing a mask is not easy, especially if you have asthma/ pneumonia etc. it is hard to breath. But it is necessary for sure. Unless you have a health condition that makes it dangerous etc. And then maybe it is best to stay home for now.

I can’t imagine having to deal with the crazies coming in while working there.

[MerryBlooms]

73. Oh my gosh, hon, you've really been through hell.

Prayers for you too.

You're a survivor, wonder if you'll be asked for antibody blood draw? Are health departments keeping track and asking for volunteers in some states I wonder? omg, this reminds me of several crappy vampire series my sisters have watched. Sorry, I have a very warped sense of humor.

[Meowmee]

114. Thanks💕

If it turns out I have antibodies which I def will be tested for at some point I am happy to donate blood. Lol. On the series. There was a study already near me that I applied for but I think they were only looking for people that were already completely over it. I think I may be at the point where I’m not infectious anymore however I am still having a lot of pain and symptoms so I don’t think I’m over it and I think there’s other things going on contributing to my pain because they found a hernia on one of the tests they have done at the hospital this week.

[SunSeeker]

42. A grocery store is private property. Can't they ban guns from their own property?

Sorry you're going through this.

[MerryBlooms]

46. I am not sure. Maybe they think it would cause more trouble? I don't know.

So far, the protesters in the parking lot have been just hanging out. The really quick response by the police the day my son was threatened, tells me the police must be monitoring them... I don't know, but that's my hope.

[SunSeeker]

49. It's awful that your son has to worry about infection AND getting shot.

When he's making it possible for people to buy groceries.

[MerryBlooms]

53. I agreed with him and didn't understand why some people are so angry.

He's just trying to protect them. I told him I loved him and was proud of him. I hope he can go back to his forklift nights soon.

[Stuart G]

45. Sending out prayers..

K and R

[MerryBlooms]

47. Thank you

[Ohiogal]

48. My son works at a grocery store, too.

I can’t imagine what you must be feeling. I will hold you both close in my heart.

Hopefully these yahoos will get bored after a while and move on. I can’t imagine why they are allowed to sit out front of a store and intimidate the customers! I can’t believe what our country is coming to. We live in such frightening times. Idiots like those you described should be made to move on by the police.

[MerryBlooms]

51. I will pray for you and your son too.

I have been thinking... These rage people usually show up and do harm within 24hrs of the first encounter? It's been a little over a week, so my son is probably in the clear from that guy. I hope he gets to go back to his old job soon.

[Ohiogal]

54. Yes, I think you're right about that.

I think they’ll get bored after a while and look for something else or somewhere else to play pretend tough guy. Hopefully a firing range where no innocent bystanders get hurt. I can’t believe America has come to this. ((Hugs))

[iluvtennis]

56. You said "there are protesters in lawn chairs with guns in the parking lot every day". Sorry, but

they aren't protesters. Protesters carry cardboard/paper signs, not guns.

These folks are domestic terrorists.

definition of terrorism: the unlawful use of intimidation and/or violence, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.

Sent a prayer up for your son.

[MerryBlooms]

60. I thank you.

I think if the company tries to run them off, it would cause a bigger stink and the chance of violence. With the quick response of the police the day my son was threatened, the police must be monitoring the lawn chair gun folks. I think the store is better off with the way things are, at least for now? I don't know, I just want him back to his old job and safe.

[Joinfortmill]

57. I prayed for your son. God bless.

[MerryBlooms]

62. Thanks so much

[blueinredohio]

58. Hoping your son stays safe. Thank him for me for doing what he's doing.

Working the front lines with such idiots and thank you for raising a good son. Sending good vibes your way.

[MerryBlooms]

64. Thank you. He is an amazing son.

We lost his dad in 2002, then I was in a car accident in 2006, almost lost me too. He was by my side while I was on a vent for many weeks with collapsed lungs ARDS, pneumonia, neck and spine fractures, internal injuries... For months he was by my side and literally saved my life when the doctors wanted him to let me go. I owe him my life, and the thought of someone even thinking of taking his breaks my heart into a million pieces.

[malchickiwick]

63. Protesters in lawn chairs with guns in front of a grocery store?? WTF America??

Canada must feel like they're living in an apartment above a meth lab. (stolen)

[MerryBlooms]

68. omg, that is Perfect!

I am texting him your post!! He will laugh. Thank you.

[hadEnuf]

65. That is exactly right. They are not protesters, they are terrorists.

A person does not need to brandish a weapon in order to make a statement of protest. They are trying to intimidate and frighten people with the threat of gun violence, pure and simple.

The rabid right wing has purposely allowed this type of lawless attitude to flourish. Sane people need to be ready to protect themselves and measures need to be taken to protect the public in general while they go about their business.

[MerryBlooms]

69. Yeah, and it started at the top with trump and his liberate this and that state crap

[AllaN01Bear]

66. you may have rights , but your actions will tell later on when the 2nd wave hits

may the force be with you and your son.

[MerryBlooms]

70. We haven't even gotten through the first wave yet! It's So maddening! Thanks so much.

[spiderpig]

72. We are living in a situation of complete insanity.

My father and three uncles went to war to defend against this type of chaos. One never came back.

I don't know what to say except that when I close my eyes attempting to sleep I think "I'm glad I'm old".

[MerryBlooms]

76. It's all so surreal.

[hibbing]

74. Sending my best thoughts your way

What the the living heck is wrong with our country? Soon to be 100k dead and you're walking around with your guns pouting because of a mask or store safety policy.


Peace

[MerryBlooms]

79. Thank you. You're so right, the priorities are so flipped. I can't wrap my brain around any of it.

[Demovictory9]

75. scary

[MerryBlooms]

80. Very. He's such an amazing son.

[Demovictory9]

82. he deserves hazard pay. I appears they are taking advantage of his size/look to be quasi guard

[MerryBlooms]

93. I agree. Just talked to my other son, he's taken a leave of

absence because his company isn't enforcing the recommendations from the state because they're not mandatory. He said they're not in a hot spot, but neighboring counties are, so it's just a matter of time. Cripes, what the hell is wrong with these people!

[BellaBarnes]

77. I am so sorry that your son

has to endure such treatment while doing his job. There are not enough words to describe the disgust I have for people who have to terrorize others by carrying a gun out in public. Please give your son a big "Thank You" and hug from me.

[MerryBlooms]

81. Thank you. I know there are people all over the US doing the same job experiencing

the same horrible abuse. All because the people like my son are trying to protect Them and everyone else. It's just all so bizarre and frightening.

[Ferrets are Cool]

78. And this is America. What has this orangeanus bestowed upon us?

[MerryBlooms]

83. Yep, it got way wors when he started that liberate this and that, crap.

All by design. trump purposely started this fire and folks like the poor man who lost his life recently and others like my son being threatened are the price paid. The cruelty being inflicted by trump and the republican party is beyond comprehension. How many deaths, how much violence... How much is going to be enough to satiate their insane lust for blood and death? We're living in a B horror movie.

[Ferrets are Cool]

84. A B horror movie with a

terrible ending. At least it seems that way.

[MerryBlooms]

88. I was going to take my 76 y/o sister to an outdoor garden shop to get her out of the house.

Our Oregon county has gone two weeks without a new case, so I though if I mask and glove her, she'd be okay as long as she promised not to talk to strangers. Then, the very same day, I had to go to our two pharmacies and then stop for milk, eggs and bread (try to do everything on one trip). Less face masks at least by half, but I had mine on... I received a couple of sneers by a mom and her daughter. No big deal there, but the big deal was the less than 50% face masks, which killed the plan to take my sister out. So, instead I'm waiting for the 15th opening of county parks and take her to one of our favorite wayside creeks where I know she'll be safe. I fear we'll see a spike in cases soon. People just don't seem to get the reason we have less cases is because we've been doing the right thing and being careful.

[Tipperary]

117. So these lawn chair freaks are in Oregon?

I would not have expected that. What are they protesting?

[Maraya1969]

89. You are both in my heart.

I am sure he will be OK. He sounds like he has a good head on his shoulders and will do the right thing to keep himself safe.




In the meantime I have also decided to start praying for the people who are acting crazy. They obviously have big fears running through them and need to feel some peace also for everyone's sake. Maybe you can do that to; especially in his place of work.

[MerryBlooms]

95. Thank you. Yes, praying for the people acting crazy is the right thing to do. Tbanks for the

reminder.

[niyad]

90. Of course. Prayers for your son, and all who are in harm's way in these times. May they, and we,

al be safe.

Your DU family is here for you, so hold on tight.

[MerryBlooms]

96. Thanks so much. I'm struggling and needed some

positive reinforcement. just got off the phone with my other son, he's taken leave of absence, so that is a relief. Different company and different reasons. Company not enforcing recommended guidelines. His county isn't a hot spot, but the surrounding counties are, so it's just a matter of time. So he and his wife discussed it, and he's home for now.

[niyad]

100. That is good news about your other son and his wife. Holding you all in light and healing.

[Olafjoy]

91. Jesus Christ!!

Of course I will include your son in my prayers 🙏🏻 but I cannot even believe I have to. What is wrong with people? I despise anyone who would threaten violence over a mask 🤬

[MerryBlooms]

98. Thank you so much. I know, I can't believe it either.

[rustysgurl]

92. I pray that he stays safe

As I said in my post when a nut with a gun lost his mind at the hardware store, people are freaking crazy. I'm glad he has such responsive backup, and hope that if it gets worse, the store hires an armed guard to deal with this wackadoos.

You and your son are in my thoughts.

[MerryBlooms]

99. Thank you, I really appreciate it.

[napi21]

97. Has your son asked his bosses whaat they suggest he do in the event another customer gets crazy?

That would be the first thing I suggest he do, MOST employers & supervisors do not want trouble nor trouble for any of their employees. People are all on edge now. They're getting antsy because they've been cooped up and they lose their patience quickly without cause. Under the circumstances with the armed protestors in the parking lot, it sounds to me likethe Manager of the store should ask the police for guidance. Perhaps a police drive thru every so often would calm the tension a bit They sho9uold have some better suggestions than I have. I don't want to see your son or anyone else get harmed, neither do the cops, the store owner, nor his bosses.

[MerryBlooms]

101. He has a radio and as quickly as the rest of the team and the police

responded, I think the protesters in the parking lot are being watched by the police. He said they just show up, sit in chairs and have their guns. He said they haven't done anything so far. I am thinking the company and police are monitoring and not wanting escalation. On the bright side, my other son called tonight and has taken leave of absence because his business isn't enforcing the state recommended guidelines... The optional bs needs to end. His county isn't a hot zone, but the surrounding counties are, so it's just a matter of time.

[JCMach1]

103. My daughter does too decontaminating carts so everyone can shop

I am so thankful she has stayed well.they have only had masks for about 10 days.

Definitely on the same wavelength as you at this point.

[MerryBlooms]

104. Prayers for your daughter and you.

We always worry for our kids, but this is beyond anything I imagined. I guess we all just hang in there together and try not to let our worst thoughts get the best of us.

[JCMach1]

112. Thank you and yes I worry every day

[Heartstrings]

105. Safe vibes sent for your son and all his coworkers! nt

[MerryBlooms]

106. Thank you.

[applegrove]

108. I don't understand what their logic is to be stalking a grocery stores. Is the theory

that enforcing social distancing among customers offends their rights? I get that they are playing the enforcer roles in the Trump cult and it gives them 1) a vital role (which they don't get in real life jobs) 2) meaning of belong to something bigger than themselves. Is it as simple as losening social distancibg will kill black people? Is that it?

Vibes to your son. And i am so sorry.

[jimlup]

116. That's horrible....? Our grocery stores are nothing like that.

Most everyone wears a mask and most everyone is respectful of the distancing rules. I live in deep blue Ann Arbor Michigan but still what you describe seems worse than even deep red. I see your reply above so don't need to ask.

The best to your son for his important work. He is a front line hero!

[MerryBlooms]

118. My thanks to all for your prayers and good wishes.

And, I thank you for letting me vent. I'm going to delete my OP, because of the want of the location, and I don't feel it's safe to reveal his location. Better to delete and drop.

Again, my heartfelt thanks for letting a worried mom drop some emotional baggage and all your support. I hope you and yours also stay safe.