I Feel So Terrible That I Did Not Help More…
This morning on my White Dog walk I was cruising through the “pocket park” that connects Spring St. and Broadway- between 4th and 3rd Street- and there is some dishevled black lady, probably 60 or 70 years old, with a few bags and a backpack, saying very loudly “Where’s a 7-Eleven?” but to no one in particular. I stop and try to give her directions- pointing as I speak- finally she yells at me “I am blind!”- she had the dark shades on but just a regular cane (she later told me that she had 2 of her white “sticks” stolen- who would do that???)
After conversing a little it turns out she really needs to go to bathroom and she thought 7-Eleven would be good (I don’t think they have public bathroom at 5th and Broadway location). BUT I know there is a bathroom right there- behind the security desk that is across from “First Cup Caffe”- not more than 30′ away. She is so happy to hear that- takes her backpack off and leaves all he stuff on a little bench there. I asked her to grab my hand and we slowly “shuffle” the 30′ in about 5 minutes. While we were walking I was trying to control White Dog too- and I told the lady I’m sorry about my dog being so crazy- and I remember her comment vividly- to the effect of “I don’t care if your dog jumps all over me- I just need some help”- OUCH!
The security guy there was nice and unlocked bathroom for her as I walked her in.
The worst part is that I did not wait for her! White Dog was not happy standing still, and I thought maybe the security guard would realize the situation was pretty serious and summon help for her. But DAMN IT I should have stayed and made sure she got where she needed to go- she was clearly not from the area and I have no idea how she got where she was- she could have easily walked into a busy street or something as she did not seem familiar with area at all.
“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing”
- and I did nothing- I hope the lady got some more help from someone. I could have at least made sure here belongings were safe but I thought the security guard would watch them…
Never again will I be so selfish with my time and not help as much as I possibly can.