That thing you do: Bell ringer enjoys interaction with public

Robert Grandstaff, 26, of Post Falls, has something in common with former President George H.W. Bush. Both served as bell ringers for the Salvation Army during the recent holiday season, Bush as a volunteer and Grandstaff as a paid ringer.

Unlike the 41st president, Grandstaff now is back on the job market, and the market is especially tough for him. He just wants someone to give him a chance, like the Salvation Army did this Christmas season, to prove he can do a good job.

Growing up in Sandpoint, Grandstaff has experienced obstacles throughout his life. His birth father committed suicide when Grandstaff was 15, and his stepfather was “verbally and physically abusive.” Suffering from juvenile diabetes since he was 9, he now is experiencing the physical problems associated with the disease.

Grandstaff woke up one morning in March 2003, to black dots dancing in his eyes. Even after nine surgeries to save his sight, he was totally blind within months, and his life was changed forever. His wife left him with three children, and he suddenly became unemployable in the field of his expertise – automobile repair. He now is close to earning a GED and enrolling at North Idaho College in the College Repair Technology program, with the goal of being an auto body repairman.

“I have a truck at home that I’m always customizing, and there is nothing I can’t do when I put my mind to it,” Grandstaff says with confidence.

Just having celebrated his first anniversary with his “amazing wife” Michelle, he and his family live in Post Falls. Grandstaff has a particularly positive attitude, especially when acknowledging, “it’s not just me trying to do the job, but society trying to get in my way.”

Janice Husmann, of the Coeur d’Alene Salvation Army office, says she is very impressed by Grandstaff’s work ethic and disposition. She reports that the daily donations from his kettle were on par with all the other bell ringers in Coeur d’Alene this season.

What is your job title? “Bell ringer for the Salvation Army.”

How long have you been doing this? “This is my first season.”

How did you choose this line of work? “My vocational assessment counselor found the job for me.”

Are you paid: (a) well; (b) more than you are worth; (c) slave wages, (d) could be better? “Somewhere between (a) and (b). This is not rocket science, so the pay is fair.”

What is the best thing about your job? “Interacting with people and helping a worthwhile organization at the same time. One elderly lady with her caregiver came in and said she was really glad to find a kettle. She said she saves all year to donate to the Salvation Army, and she put a baggie full of coins in.”

What is the worst thing about your job? “The weather changes.” He sat in the entryway of ShopKo, with the street door open to the weather.

Do you plan on doing this job (a) until retirement; (b) until something better comes along? “I’d be willing to do this next year.”

Do you have any on-the-job funny stories? “Every day at least one person doesn’t realize I’m blind. One man thought I was a skier, because of my dark glasses and my walking pole. Many people apparently think because I’m blind, I’m also deaf, because they yell at me. Some think we must have a lower intelligence level, but blindness is not a mental illness. And one guy said to me ‘It’s not that sunny in here and you have your sunglasses on.’ “

Any bad experiences? “None on the job. Some people always want to help you, which is cool, but it’s usually not needed. It’s just a lot of really nice people who are just misguided.”

If there was a movie made about you and your job, what actor should play you and why? “Chris Farley, because he was fat and hilarious.”