I was tuning in a home where the parents of the little girl were present, but the room where the piano was located wasn't within view of where they were sitting. The girl (about 5 or 6) wanted to sit next to me on the bench. I got up and told the parents I wasn't comfortable with their child next to me. I won't enter the home if the parents of any underage child aren't home. I once had an appointment with a single-parent family of all teenage girls. First time I went, no one was home, so I rescheduled. This time, only the kids were there. I refused to enter, and later the mother called to apologize. I told her why I hadn't done the job and she understood. She paid me my full fee. Sometimes the owner can't be home at the appointment time, and ask if it would be all right if I let myself in. Or they have to leave early for some reason. I always mention that I can't be in the home with underage children. Period. There is sage advice that says: Never remain alone a woman who is not your wife, not even with your mother, sister, or daughter. The senses are so strong that even an intelligent man of discrimination may be impelled to degrade himself. If I followed that advice, I'd have to leave this kind of work. But, if you examine how often molestation occurs with children, such advice certainly applies. When it comes to children, I NEVER allow myself to be alone with them. Better safe than sorry. Paul McCloud Service Technician for PianoSD.com www.pianoservsd.com Created with free BlueVoda software: http://www.vodahost.com/partner/idevaffiliate.php?id=9223_1_3_9 > [Original Message] > From: Farrell <mfarrel2 at tampabay.rr.com> > To: Pianotech List <pianotech at ptg.org> > Date: 02/13/2008 7:49:20 AM > Subject: Re: Held "Hostage" by Tiny Lookerson > > One time I was tuning an old upright. The lady said she had to run out for > the evening, but that her teen-aged daughter (early teens) and her > girlfriend would be home. I didn't like the idea too much, but I didn't say > anything. They were quiet in the back for about a half hour and then they > started to poke their heads out. They then started teasing each other, > grabbing the others pants and pulling them down enough to see undies. > > This fat man ran out of that house so fast I'm surprised I didn't create a > vacuum upon running out the front door causing half the furniture in the > house to be sucked out the front door with me. I'm not sure I even was able > to grab all my tools. I didn't care. > > I wouldn't call that paranoia. I'd call it self-preservation. Easiest to > simply avoid in the future. I have no fondness for jail cells. > > Terry Farrell > > ----- Original Message ----- > > How far do you extend the paranoia? > >
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