Another day in the life
Every once in a while, we are called to do something in our jobs that is above and beyond the call of duty.
There is an older couple that comes into the store once a month. Not old, just older. I am assuming that they live farther out in nowhere, Southwest Kansas, and are traveling to Wichita to the doctor.
She is a large lady, in a wheel chair. He is a very careful, quiet man who lovingly takes care of her. Neither of them speak much, or even smile much, although they always seem polite.
One day they came in, and he took her into the ladies room like he always does. In a few minutes he came out alone, and came over to me.
He quietly told me that his wife usually can stand on her legs long enough for him to help her get her pants down, and then he helps her sit on the toilet. This day, however, she hadn't the strength to stand, and he needed my help.
I have always said that I could never be a nurse's aide, I was glad there were people who could, but I could just never be one. I get embarrassed so easily. I honestly was reluctant to help. What other choice did these people have?
I did go in and help, and they thanked me, and I went on with my day.
I told my mother that evening about it, and she went ballistic.
Told me I shouldn't have had to help, and that she would have refused, (this coming from a woman who, years ago, was a nurse's aide).
All I could think about was what would they have done if I hadn't helped them? And wasn't the woman's embarrassment probably worse than mine in having to ask for help with something so personal from a complete stranger?
Sometimes you just do what you see needs to be done.
There is an older couple that comes into the store once a month. Not old, just older. I am assuming that they live farther out in nowhere, Southwest Kansas, and are traveling to Wichita to the doctor.
She is a large lady, in a wheel chair. He is a very careful, quiet man who lovingly takes care of her. Neither of them speak much, or even smile much, although they always seem polite.
One day they came in, and he took her into the ladies room like he always does. In a few minutes he came out alone, and came over to me.
He quietly told me that his wife usually can stand on her legs long enough for him to help her get her pants down, and then he helps her sit on the toilet. This day, however, she hadn't the strength to stand, and he needed my help.
I have always said that I could never be a nurse's aide, I was glad there were people who could, but I could just never be one. I get embarrassed so easily. I honestly was reluctant to help. What other choice did these people have?
I did go in and help, and they thanked me, and I went on with my day.
I told my mother that evening about it, and she went ballistic.
Told me I shouldn't have had to help, and that she would have refused, (this coming from a woman who, years ago, was a nurse's aide).
All I could think about was what would they have done if I hadn't helped them? And wasn't the woman's embarrassment probably worse than mine in having to ask for help with something so personal from a complete stranger?
Sometimes you just do what you see needs to be done.
3 Comments:
And bless you for doing it
You did the right and good thing. Good for you. Bread tost on the water comes back to you many times over.
Thank you, Gentlemen.
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