Last week I took Lauren, my new assistant and right hand, up to Harlem for a meeting. We were at the corner of 125th and 7th when I heard someone call out, "is anyone crossing the street?" Normally, of course, I avoid listening to anyone (it's the New York Protective Shell) but I happened to glance over and standing there was a blind guy. I'd never actually helped a blind person cross the street but I knew the routine. "I'm standing to your right," I said, and extended my arm so he would take it. He did and we talked a bit as we crossed the street.
And, once we got across the street, I accidentally walked him directly into a scaffolding pole.
I think I may have to give back my "do-gooder" badge.
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Oddly, this reminds me of your Steve Buscemi sighting.
Comment #1 :: link :: June 24, 2006 01:32 PMJust this February I helped an elderly lady cross the street for the first time in my life. We made it safely across, though, Mission Accomplished.
Comment #2 :: link :: June 24, 2006 10:42 PMLousy samaritans must wash their hair carefully with RID, and use a nit comb afterwards. Or get their head shaved.
Comment #3 :: link :: June 25, 2006 12:09 PMJust *tell* him you are giving back your do-gooder badge and then make a sound like you are doing it. But really, slip it in your pocket. He'll be none the wiser.
Comment #4 :: link :: June 26, 2006 10:24 AMSo how did this man get to that corner, anyway? Does he go one block at a time, holler until someone helps, repeat?
Comment #5 :: link :: June 26, 2006 10:35 PMAt least you tried! Long story short, I was helping a man I found on the floor of my parking garage; he had fallen while getting to his wheelchair in the back of his car and didn't think I was strong enough to lift him. Instead, he sent me to an apartment number to get help, but the woman in the apartment said, "We're not responsible for him. You should call 911." I explained that we just needed an extra hand, but she insisted I should call myself even though I didn't have a phone on me and would have to waste more time to get to it. They didn't want anything to do with him. I let it go and ended up helping him myself. He had been lying there for 20 minutes! He said his (now ex-) friend had moved up from New Orleans with him and despite having become estranged he was still doing his best to help her and her daughter.
I know I don't know all the details, but they wouldn't even lift a finger to help! So much for friendship!
Comment #6 :: link :: June 29, 2006 05:42 PM
