It's strange to blog in advance, anticipating being away. There are always more subjects to write about than days to do so, but what if situations and topics arise after posting? When it was so cold earlier this week a woman died in Toronto, succumbing to frigid night time temperatures. She had Alzheimer's, so wandered from her home, but she did cry out for help. People heard her and didn't respond, which is beyond comprehension.
This was a cruel reminder about the fragility of those with dementia, a subject we have addressed a number of times. It was also a statement about a society where people are forgetting what it means to be a good neighbour. Christians have Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan to instruct us on "going the distance" for others. It doesn't mean we do so and perhaps we all need to revisit the story.
What was your reaction when you heard about this incident?
6 comments:
I felt sick. My Mom lives with Alzheimer's, and for a moment after considering this story,I even felt thankful her memory loss had led to her inablilty to move around freely,keeping her safer....and that is sad.
What a sad comment on our society....
John rescued a 'senior' senior (complete with oxygen tank in tow) from the north parking lot of 222 King East clinic early one morning last week....found a wheelchair in the pharmacy and delivered him safely to the lab downstairs......(really the blind leading the blind as John's sight is compromised at the moment)......It was the correct thing to do, and John has no regrets, but the senior implied entitlement rather than gratitude.
Today's news told of an elderly man who is now listed as missing somewhere in the city.
We talked at our family supper table tonight about the Gathering Place, and wondered where the homeless people in Bowmanville would go tonight to escape the bitter cold.
I read the report, but also wondered how they verfied whether or not the woman called and was ignored. Struck me as curious how anyone would know that given the circumstances.
As for Mrs. Rice's story, my hat goes off to Mr. Rice (especially given his present condition) and despite the response, am glad that he did the right thing.
I am just hearing this story and I am shocked. Living in a small town for the past three years, I'm pretty sure this wouldn't happen here. Here, if one heard someone calling for help, they would immediately respond, not only to help, but to find out who it was, why they were calling for help, and to later share a really good story.
But, I also don't think people live with the fear and isolation those do in a big city like Toronto. That is a very general statement. One can be fearful and lonely in a small town, but I don't think it is as pervasive.
Ian - glad you concur with John's actions when he heard the cry for help......but PLEASE - I think you're old enough now to call us by our first names!!!!
I know, you were so well brought up! J
Sadly Ian people in neighbouring buildings admitted that they heard the woman's cries and didn't respond or phone 911. It's good to hear that someone like John assumed that it was his moral responsiblity to act. Good points about fear and isolation Deb. Fear is a compassion killer.
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