[The Jester of Wibbly]

Had a bit of a shock today on a private estate where I clean most properties on.   One of the customers came out together with a lady I also clean for.   

She explained her Husband had suddenly died a few days ago.   He was only in his 60's.  This is the guy who first made contact with me to clean his home many years ago and made the effort to get his neighbours to sign up with me.    I got on really well having many chats over a coffee with him, so was a bit of a shock when I learned the news.

I immediately told her that this clean is on me today as a mark of my respect for her husband.   She broke down in tears and her neighbour explained that she had been helping her sort her husbands affairs, going on to say that cancelling his contracts had been difficult. His mobile contractor seemed only to care about working out his final bill.   So she said my gesture was refreshing.  She said her husband was not rich, had no savings, and no insurance, and that she was very worried.

Even I chocked up a bit, but just goes to show, it does not take much to show a little compassion in these situations.   

[johnwillan]

Well done, a lovely gesture and no doubt greatly appreciated. 

[Jay Le Huray]

I had one on Monday, the old girl was really nice and lived in a bungalow on her own and there was always a cup of tea waiting for when I finished.

Went there this Monday and she was not in which was unusual,  I left a SAE and today a cheque for £15 arrived with a letter saying she had passed away last week, there was no return address on the cheque or letter either

[dazmond]

i had one the other day....she d had 2 strokes in quick succession over the last 2 weeks........i said i still needed paying(she owed me £16)...so i watched her hobble around trying to find her purse.....got paid in the end after another 10 mins of waiting.....

shes dumped now......

[carl stanton]

That was very nice 👍

Some times their is more to like than money!
You get close to customers and value them as people, yes we need to pay bills but also a little heart is good for the health. I have done the same as it gives some sort of comfort and respect.

[p1w1]

i had one the other day....she d had 2 strokes in quick succession over the last 2 weeks........i said i still needed paying(she owed me £16)...so i watched her hobble around trying to find her purse.....got paid in the end after another 10 mins of waiting.....

shes dumped now......

[nathankaye]

Sadly this is something that no doubt we all come across from time to time and we all find different ways to deal with it.  It also helps that we are all our own boss's and can decide to take the hit or not.  It was a nice gesture and no doubt an emotional one.

I have a street where everybody grew up together and sadly they are getting to an age where death is creeping in.  However, one old dear lost her daughter last year due to an unfortunate accident and 2 months ago, the night before I cleaned her windows, she lost her only remaining daughter due to ill health. That night she took it bad and ended up in hospital herself.            Its never easy losing a child but both before you die,,,,,,,,,,,parents aren't meant to outlive their kids.   
A card through the door and a free clean doesnt seem to "cut it" but with an added cuddle on the next clean, it was appreciated

[Johnny B]

I pulled up on an estate last week, to be told almost immediately that the not so elderly lady across the street (whose windows I clean) suddenly passed away early that morning.

She was a lovely lady, quite chatty with me, but apparently had an alcohol problem. She had got me several of her neighbours as customers as well.

After speaking with some of them, who were still reeling with the shock, I decided to clean her windows for her daughters (one of whom is expected to move back in) and out of respect for the deceased lady.

I felt good about doing it, I didn't leave any note but asked one of the neighbours to pass on my condolences.

John

[dazmond]

I pulled up on an estate last week, to be told almost immediately that the not so elderly lady across the street (whose windows I clean) suddenly passed away early that morning.

She was a lovely lady, quite chatty with me, but apparently had an alcohol problem. She had got me several of her neighbours as customers as well.

After speaking with some of them, who were still reeling with the shock, I decided to clean her windows for her daughters (one of whom is expected to move back in) and out of respect for the deceased lady.

I felt good about doing it, I didn't leave any note but asked one of the neighbours to pass on my condolences.

John

i can spot an alcoholic a mile away........i only have one on my round,she always pays me up front before she gets too sozzled......

[Granny]

A few years ago someone posted on here about a customer dying. His daughter was at the house when he next called. He used to pay on the day but when the daughter asked if her dad owed him any money - he replied yes he owed me 3 cleans!
Not every one is as charitable.

[nathankaye]

I cleaned a bungalow for an old dear for about 15 years, a lovely old lass, but quite ill. She died in hospital after her op, picked up an illness in hospital which finished her off. 
I used to clean them every 4 wks and when she passed, I kept cleaning them until the bungalow sold, but every 8 wks.
It helps that i got the new owners to continue the service on a paid 4 wkly basis lol