This posting is actually a bit of bad and good all in one. I was injured at a city park while walking my dogs and playing basketball with my son this morning. I will spare those details at this time. As I limped with my 10 year-old's assistance to a nearby corner plaza, I was hoping to use the phone in the convenience store. He ran ahead trying to be helpful in the situation asking to use their phone so he could call my mom (his grandma) for a ride. He came out of the store saying that they refused to let him make the call. I couldn't believe it so I limped in and reasked, fully explaining the situation and was met with such disdain and insensitivity from the store owners. She chastised me about coming in and asking for a favour and said my son had already come in. I think I was in shock as we had a few words about how inhumane it was that she would not allow someone clearly injured to make a local call to get assistance. I just walked out feeling so defeated. I am writing this because I think it is so sad that this actually happened in my neighbourhood. My son tried a friend's house next, others walked by without any words, then we finally ventured to another store in the plaza. This is where the story turns around in a positive way.
As I approached the Fontainebleu I.D.A. Pharmacy, I was met with compassion and kindness from the employees right inside the door. As I was physically assisted to the counter to make my call, I was offered an ice pack and a cold bottle of water. By this time, I was shedding a few tears of pain and frustration. They then arranged chairs for me to sit and lift my swollen foot up as I waited for a ride. All this time, my son waiting patiently outside with our dogs, was kept up to speed and invited to sit in the shade at the store front. I want to give a huge shout out of "THANKS!" to everyone at the Fontainebleu I.D.A. Pharmacy, especially Brenda who helped me out to my mom's car and wished me well along with giving some first-aid advice. You were all truly Good Samaritans today and have restored my faith in humanity!
Please, if you are reading this, do not be swayed in our "mind your own business" society to walk by when you sense someone is in need. Take the time to connect with your fellow neighbour and offer your assistance. You can truly make a difference in our world!