As a single dad in my mid 30s, nothing seemed harder than finding child care. With 2 young kids in school, pick up in the afternoon was difficult to plan.
"Why can't I find someone that can actually drive and watch the kids for 2 hours until I get home?" I complained to a few people at work in the break room. I worked in a physical therapy office as a biller and every day had to sort out how to leave early.
Vishal, a physical therapist assistant laughed, "most babysitters are too young, I don't like to trust my kids with teenagers."
"well, if they are adults then they want huge money. College kids know they can charge people $30/hr." I said.
Vishal looked at me for a minute, as if remembering what he was thinking. "my aunt Parvati is looking for an afternoon job. She just moved with us from Texas. She just got divorced from her asshole husband. The pediatrician I told you about?"
I remembered him saying something about his uncle who had just moved to the Azores with a new young wife. "I remember, how is she adjusting?"
"well," Vishal said, "it wasn't a big shock to her. He was older and ready to retire. Their daughter is in college. She got a huge chunk of money. Parvati is just bored I think. When do you have your kids?"
"I have them all week except Wednesday and every other weekend. So I'd need someone the other week days." I said
Vishal typed in his phone. "I'll text her your number and ask her if she's interested. She's a sweet person.."
I thanked him and texted my neighbor, pleading to see if she could be at the bus stop for the kids. Thankfully she said yes. Although, I didn't like the chain smoking, she was my only option.
As the day went on and I was ready to go, I got a message from Parvat. "hello Jeff, my nephew passed along your information regarding watching 2 kids in the afternoon. I would love to meet you and talk about the job. Are you free tonight?"
I messaged back that I was and gave her my address and went on with my day. It was busy at work and I rushed to get done. The less time my kids had to sit with a cloud of cigarette smoke, the better for their lungs.
I almost forgot about Parvati until she rang the door bell at about 7. I opened it and a medium height woman stepped in with a bright orange sundress on, jet black hair flecked with white hair. She had gold bangles on and large hoop earrings. Her skin was dark like caramel, with big dark eyes. She had a sort of citrus perfume on that caught my attention.
"so nice to meet you, I'm Parvati." she said with a rich accent. Indian like Vishal.
"wonderful to meet you, thank you so much for coming! Please sit down." I motioned to the table.
She was grace and smooth movements, letting her bracelets sway with her bangles, she tossed fragrant hair and sat down. Her eyes were striking. I swallowed deep sitting down across the table. Immediately, the kids rushed over to bombard her with a thousand questions and pry her life story.
Parvati held court, completely dignified and comfortable with the relentless attention. She talked about her daughter, her home in Texas, and about India They left the room just as quickly when their favorite show came in the living room.
She smiled, "they are so sweet Jeff! And so polite!"
"Thank you so much, they are my whole world. That's why I wanted to find someone that is responsible and good with kids."
We went back and forth and she talked about her daughter and years of being involved with the other pediatric residents and staff and the different causes. She was chairwoman for cystic fibrosis benefits and childhood cancers.
