That's the way it is.....really?
I had a somewhat disturbing experience today. I was going about my regular real estate broker routine....when I made a stop to meet another Realtor for lunch to catch up on business. I was parked at a strip mall. While I was waiting...I saw an man come out of the grocery store and fall....hard....on the icy pavement.
There were some other people there, but no one did anything to help. I immediately got out of my car and went over to see if I could be of some assistance. I offered my hand and helped to pull him up off of the ground. He was a very tall/big man. He seemed very embarrassed, but he gladly let me pull him up off of the ground. There were other stronger looking people there, but none of them would even look at me or him. I helped the man over to his truck and asked him..."Are you hurt?....Do you need me to call anyone?" He was grateful for the help...but still embarrassed. I told him not to worry it could happen to anyone. (He actually slid on icy pavement but it was uneven)
While I waited for my associate to show up, I went inside the grocery store to pick up an item that I needed. While I was there....I was still wondering...."Why wouldn't someone else help this man?" When I came to the front of the store....a young man caught up with me and told me how nice it was for me to help this older man out. He said that he was behind me and would have helped if I did not. While we chatted....another very strong looking man came by and commented how he saw the whole thing also....but he didn't want to "get involved"....you know...(he said)...."That's just the way it is" (hmmmm....really?) I still don't know what to think of this. What do you think? Is this the new "normal" way to be?
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In today day and age this is the norm. People are so afraid of what there fellow human will do to them. I have been fortunate to be on the receiving end of a good deed. I fell on the ice last month and was asked if I needed any help. I declined and was able to get up on my own.
I was raised to treat people the way you want to be treated. I hold doors open, thank people, tell them to have a good day. You would be surprised at some of the reactions. Pay it forward it will come back to you 10 times over. It won't hurt honest!
Hi Veronica....I agree with you. I was also raised to treat people with respect. I am sorry to hear that you had a fall also. Glad to hear that you were able to get up without help. I also agree that we reap what we sow!
Yea, some people are like that they just don't want to get involved.
It's a sad world sometimes.
Good on you for doing your good deed.
Hi Wayne....Thanks for the nice comment. I know that many people do not want to get involved because they are afraid of getting sued. But...it seems to me...that this is used *many times* as an excuse. :)
Unfortunately it seems to be the new "normal" Melanie. People are either too afraid to get involved or are in too much of a rush to get home to watch their favourite soap on the TV.
Isn't that the truth? People always have time for themselves...but not to help others! Very sad.
Hi Melanie. Unfortunately in our extremely litigious society, people worry about becoming involved in anything any more! It's really sad to see! Just today, I was driving back from the store and a young man on a motorcycle, in front of me, accidentally dropped his grocery bag and stopped in the road to pick it up. I had to hit my brakes pretty hard so as not to hit him. However; I stopped my car to flag others by so he could pick up all the things that had dropped. He was so appreciative and yet the cars going around me were flashing me the finger and yelling obscenities at the young man. Why? What has happened to common decency? What has happened to humanities compassion for one another's misfortunes. I just shake my head because any time I see someone in distress, I will stop and I will help regardless. . . .
Thank you for your thought provoking blog.
Hi Sharon....Thank you kindly for your comment. What a nice thing for you to do for the young man on the motorcycle. I am beginning to think that "our breed" of courtesy and decency is not the "norm" any longer. Have a great weekend...Melanie
Thank you Melanie. What you did for the gentlemen that fell on the ice was just as kind. You know, I was thinking, I bet everyone that is a member of WA would have done what we did today. What do you think? The community family members of WA are truly a different breed and with our power I just bet we can change the world! :-)
No. Or at least it should not be. It is a sad reflection on our 'do not get involved' society.
I'm sorry that it happens in your own city (?). I feel lucky or blessed that I still live in a place where people do help, when needed. It's really sad, cos, it isn't something like the guy was beaten up by a gang, it's understandable not to get involved. But something like this, i wouldn't hesitate to help or ask someone to help.
Hello Jen090....This happened very close to where I currently live. I am also surprised because I live in a very small rural community.
That is why I posed this question. I am shocked to think that this is just
"how it is"....very sad. Thanks for your comment. I don't ever hesitate to help anyone! Have a great weekend....Melanie
Unfortunately it is, it seems people would rather catch an event on the smartphone than put it away and lend a hand. To me people are much less inclined to put themselves in someone else's shoes, they are just thankful they aren't in them. Since when is helping someone "getting involved". Certainly hope that guy's day doesn't come that he is looking around at a bunch of people that don't want to "get involved". Sad state affairs and many, many kudos to you for stepping up!
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unfortunately that's the society we live in, but you have to remind yourself there are still some good ones out there willing to lend a helping hand, such as yourself, you think you ended up here by accident? lol!
Hello MT....Yes....I did think that I was here "by accident" *ha ha* I guess not and I am where I am "supposed to be" *smiles* Have a great weekend...*Melanie*