Nokomis: Got a call at 4:00 a.m. Hadda be bad news. I fumbled for the phone, found it. "Arrgghh" I said. "You gotta help me!" a familiar voice hollered. "I'm in crisis!!"
It was Doc Kronkite. "Can I come over?" he pleaded. "Sure" I answered, "Bring lots hot coffee."
He walked in. No coffee. Then sagged down on my lumpy couch, sighing. "Doc, what's the matter?" I asked, very concerned.
"It's the market" he moaned. "The NASDAQ was way down yesterday. My portfolio is er, kinda hurting." he said.
"Gee doc, that's awful." I said.
"Awful? Awful? Not a wink of sleep did I get tonight. Bambi and Buffy my two new er, patients, tried to console me but it didn't help. What should I do?"
Gee, I thought. This was kinda new to me. I'd wing it.
"Doc" I said with as much authority as I could muster "It's OK. Really. These things happen."
"They do?" he replied. "Gee, I thought stocks were supposed to keep going up like they always do."
"Nah, once in a while they go down. People get nervous that other people are gonna sell, so they sell first, and it kinda snowballs." Hey, I was pretty good. Maybe I'd hang out a shingle, take on traders.
The doc eased noticeably, got up, actually smiled. "I think I'll go home now, I feel better. You really think I'm gonna be OK? he asked.
"No doubt about it doc. Maybe you should read my book "Soft As a Grape", chapter 27. I did a whole chapter on what to do when the market drops. A bargain at only $39.95."
"I'll send Bambi out to get a copy today. She's my patient you know."
"I know doc."
He walked over to me, hugged me hard, kissed me on both cheeks and left, forgetting to close the door.
(Lee) |
