Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Because You're You...And I'm Me

I have but a brief post today because it changed at about 9:37 Tuesday night.

I was typing something incredibly funny, but the doorbell rang. It never rings.


The building is a secured building and if anyone gets through...they knock.

Not Tuesday night.

Our next door neighbor was clanging away on our doorbell like a trolley conductor.


I answered the door and she said that she wanted me to open the door for the paramedics.

She’s on oxygen and has a boatload of other problems, but the thing is, I hardly know her.

I said, “whatever you need."


And in my underwear, I walked her down to the door, told her to sit down because she was breathing heavily, and waited for the paramedics to get there so I could open the secured door.

In spite of our snowstorm, the paramedics got there relatively quickly, and I let them in for her. They did their thing, and carted her up.

On her way out I said, “If they keep you, call me, and I’ll bring you whatever you need, okay?” She smiled, and nodded in the affirmative.

Why do I mention this? For some accolades or atta boys? Hardly. People who truly know me know I would do this for anyone. In fact…

This is why I do mention this.

I’m sure all of you would react in the same manner, but not everyone does.


I barely know this woman, but my unthinking, human reaction to her annoying doorbell ringing was to help her.

Why can’t all people be like that?

If we were all like that, this world would be a better place.

Cheers!!

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

She's lucky to have a neighbor like you. You're totally right, most people wouldn't be so helpful. It's a pretty cynical, cold world out there.

You can Call me AL said...

Watch out Matt-Man.....

I had old lady ask to use my washer and dryer. That was 3 1/2 months ago and she is still staying in my game room! Granted, she is my Mom but I see a conspiracy forming here!

desert rat said...

Indeed. Why can't all people be like that? I think most *are* but sometimes they don't know what to do so they do nothing. Or, maybe they are afraid if they *do* something they'll risk exposure to some sort of liability.

Good for you, Matt! The next time I need a paramedic (or a stiff drink), I'm gonna make sure to ring YOUR doorbell!

Jay said...

I know lots and lots of people who wouldn't have lifted a finger to help her. In fact, I assume that my end will come with me laying face down in a pool of my own vomit with everyone in town just stepping over my cold, lifeless body. Thoughtless bastards.

Anyway, let us know how she's doing and if we all need to send her get well emails or something. ;-)

Mike said...

Good job. Keep us updated on her progress. And thanks for not posting a picture of you in your underware.

katherine. said...

I'm sure she appreciates your neighborly self.

Candice said...

Kudos to you! Do you know how she's doing now?

Scott Oglesby said...

That’s awesome Matty boy! I do HOPE that most people would help their own neighbors. Or people they actually know. But I think the big change will come (if it ever comes) when people realize that we are all neighbors on this earth. When they start to realize that people are still people even when they believe in a different God or have a different skin tone.

This was a great thought-provoking post! I hope she’s ok…

Ken said...

Good boy Mathew. Your mama would be proud.

Doc said...

Well I hope she is ok... and yes you could have pretended not to hear the bell but you did the right thing.

Lu' said...

I'm a wave and smile at the neighbors type and a hello if they are in hearing distance. I want them to see I'm friendly but I'm shy so that's plenty enough for me. I'd help them out if asked absolutely. I don't know if I would help a stranger from the apartments across the street because I don't open the door for strangers, definitely not if Hubs isn't home.

Schmoop said...

Lady: I know, and I understand why some people would be apprehensive to answer the door, but, I just can't not open it just in case it is something like what happened in this instance. Cheers D!!

Al: HA. As I always say...You should comment more often, you make me laugh. Cheers Al!!

Rat: Pffffft. If I knew you even in the area there would be no need to ring the bell. The door would be unlocked, I'd be naked, and I'd have an entire bar cart waiting for ya. Cheers Rat!!

Schmoop said...

Jay: Ha. You a funny man. Haven't heard from her but she has my number. Getting the e-mails, that was a hoot when I was in the hospital. I kept all 3,000 or so that you loveable yay-hoos sent me. Cheers Jay!!

Mike: Hee Hee. I think me being in underwear was what kept her spirits up. Cheers Mike!!

Kat: Wait 'til she gets my bill. Cheers Kat!!

Schmoop said...

Candice: Haven't heard, but if she has a nurse like you helping her out, I'm sure she's fine. Cheers Candice!!

Scott: And that mu good man was what I was getting at, but was too rushed to type. Thanks for filling in my blanks. I knew I could count on you my good man. Cheers to ya, Scott!!

Schmoop said...

Micky: Ha. Matthew...I like that. Only Schmoop, her brother, and their mom, call me that. Cheers Mick!!

Doc: As we all should do in a similar situation. Cheers Doc!!

Lu: I understand that Lu. I mean, while I don't know her, I do see her from time to time so she's not a complete stranger. Cheers Lu, I'm thinking of ya!!

Michele said...

That was right neighborly of you and I'd expect nothing less. It's what we would do.

Vinny "Bond" Marini said...

Nicely done Sir...it is called paying it forward - doing a good deed for someone without the expectation of anything in return.

When she asks if there is anything you need, just tell her that you need her to pay a favor to a 'stranger' when the opportunity arises.

Schmoop said...

Michele: And I know yu guys would indeed do the same. Cheers Michele!!

Bond: Screw that...I'm gonna tell her that I want a ribeye, with onion rings, and big salad. Okay, maybe not. Cheers Vin!!

Dana said...

I had a "similar" experience last week. A new neighbor (just moved in that weekend) locked herself out of her apartment - no cell phone - no car keys - nothing.

I came home for lunch and she was standing in the parking lot in her pajamas - it was 15 degrees.

I invited her in. Gave her my cell phone. Fed her lunch and stayed with her until she was able to get a hold of someone with a spare key.

I didn't think twice about it. It just needed to be done.

Schmoop said...

Dana: Good woman...Me? I was telling Scmoop, that I was going through the CPR steps in my mind. Fortunately, the paramedics got here. Cheers!!

Dice Mardell said...

Amen. I know the world (for the most part) is a scary place, but take the risk, help if and when you can.

Schmoop said...

Dice: Damn right, Dice, Damn right. Cheers Di!!