Another One Bites the Dust.....

The unimaginable happened. I know it is not uncommon, but that doesn't make it any easier. We lost our store manager because of theft. It was one thing loosing Chris who didn't 'choose' to be let go. This is totally different. For the past two years I have felt things were not 'right' with him. I asked him more than once about how he was detaching himself from us. I suspected a gambling problem. There is too much to write about. I cannot. All I can say is that I am sad he never shared with me, whom he often shared confidences, how desperate he was...... And, I was right. I wrote him a letter and told him I forgave him. More importantly, he can be forgiven by a God that doesn't categorize sin. And that is the most important forgiveness of all.

The Grim Reaper

When Troy, LP from Mishawaka shows up at our store, we call him 'The Grim Reaper'. That means that there is an internal theft investigation. Troy is a great guy. He just affects my turnover rate whenever he shows up!
Yesterday after Troy did his thing and the thief led out in handcuffs, Troy came in and told me he was sorry for another loss in our store. I told him that some losses are meant to happen. This young man made a choice. His choice had consequences. He was already on probation for another theft issue that we were not aware of. His entire family is involved in a theft ring. What a legacy to leave your child - encouraging them to steal.
Amazingly, most theft is internal. It also amounts to more than most external theft issues. Our areas has the highest unemployment rate in the nation. Jobs are precious. Integrity is precious. Reputation is precious. It always astounds and saddens me when we are betrayed by one of our own......