Did You Ever Dream of Joining the Circus?
written by: Marcelle Rayner
My friend, Jackie, and I were strolling down the path leading to the Municipal Auditorium in New Orleans. The path was lined on both sides with booths selling cotton candy, soft drinks, popcorn, circus souvenirs, and memorabilia.
“I haven’t been to the circus in years!” Jackie was excited.
“Neither have I – not since the grandchildren were young. But I have always loved it. And this is the real deal – with lions and elephants!”
As we were walking into the building, I saw a small sign posted.
Gordon Brothers Circus
Bookkeeper Wanted
Must Be Able to Travel
After the performance was over, I pointed out the sign to Jackie.
“What of it?”
“I’m looking for a job. I think I told you that.”
“Are you kidding, Angela? You certainly wouldn’t consider that.”
“Right now, I’d consider anything.”
“Foolishness!
Where should we go for supper?”
It didn’t seem like foolishness to me, and the more I thought about it, the more intrigued I became.
The next day found me outside the Municipal Auditorium asking who I needed to talk to about the bookkeeper position. After a short walk, I was led into a small side room off the main auditorium floor. Behind a table sat a middle-aged man who introduced himself as Bob Gordon, one of three brothers who owned the circus. I introduced myself.
“What can I do for you, Mrs. Grainger.”
“I am interested in the bookkeeping position you advertised for.”
Mr. Gordon was immediately interested.
“You do realize it would mean traveling with the circus?”
“Yes, I assumed it would.”
“Okay, then, this is the backstory. Our long-time bookkeeper passed away suddenly – died in his sleep. He was eighty-seven. We are looking to hire someone to finish out this season, get us through year-end, manage tax filings with our CPA. Keep us on track. We are looking for a 6-month commitment to get us through this fiscal year. Then we would re-group and decide on a permanent direction.
In addition to your salary, you would have your own living compartment on the circus train – spartan, but comfortable – and a small office. Your meals would be provided. You would eat with the performers. We try to encourage a large family atmosphere as much as possible.”
“That seems clear enough. Can I leave you with my resume?”
“That would be great!”
Several days passed without word, so I was surprised to answer a number I didn’t recognize and hear Mr. Gordon’s voice.
“We would love to have you join our team, Mrs. Grainger!”
“Oh, my, that’s great!”
“I would have to make some arrangements here locally. When would I need to leave?”
“Of course. You are our first choice. See if you can make this happen and let me know. We are in town here for three more weeks.”
Where to start? I had several commitments in place that I would have to find substitutes for, but that would be doable. Then there was my son….
At the time, I was living in a small apartment attached to my son’s house. When he came home that evening, I suggested cocktails at my place for him and his wife, Jill.
Settling into chairs on the patio, I began, “I’ve been offered a job today.”
“Aw, Mom, that’s great! Is it a remote position like you wanted?”
“In a way. It’s with a circus – you know that circus that has been in town?”
My son and daughter-in-law looked at each other.
“It would be remote in that I would be leaving in three weeks to travel with the circus for six months.”
“What?”
“You’re making a joke, right?”
“No, no, I’m perfectly serious. It seems like a wonderful adventure to me, and the job is mine if I want it.
My accommodations would be on the train. In addition to salary, room and board are provided.”
“You’re seventy-five years old. Do they know that?”
“I had an in-person interview with one of the owners. I’m perfectly healthy, you know. That’s why I want to work while I can.”
I gave them some of the background about why the need for a bookkeeper.
“They prefer someone ‘seasoned’ in this position. Less likelihood that they would get starry-eyed and try to join the trapeze act or become a lion tamer.”
“I can’t believe this! What about us? What about the grandkids?”
“It’s just for 6 months, Jay, not forever.”
I didn’t mention that three of those six months would be spent in Europe as guests on the circuit there. One hurdle at a time.
“Would you like to meet Mr. Gordon? I am sure he would be fine with that.”
“Yes, yes, I would.”
I arranged it. Jay went to meet him, alone, as I thought that best.
I could hardly control my anticipation that evening. I knew Jay and Jill were home as the dogs had announced their return.
After some time passed, I knocked on the door that joined their house to the apartment.
“Hi, guys. Jay, did you meet Mr. Gordon today?”
“Yes, Ma, I’m talking to Jill about it.”
“What do you think?”
“It all sounds on the up and up, Ma. I liked him.
But are you sure this is something you want to do? It’ll be a big change.”
“I’ve given it a lot of thought. It’s a little scary, but I think it will be worth it.”
***
My daughter-in-law texted the grandchildren:
“Your Granny is running away to join the circus for six months. Farewell dinner on Tuesday at our house.”
I called back the next day and told them I was good to go.
Mr. Gordon and the big top were waiting!
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