What began as a random act of kindness......not random really (will get to the details later).........has turned into something of a request for take out.
I have an alcoholic neighbour (referred to from here on as "N"). His self imposed circumstances find him in a state that is less than desirable. Once a fit man, hiking to and fro with ankle weights and a divers belt on, he now spends most of his time indoors in his favorite chair. He has a pension for old movies and no underwear.
On a particularly bad day I went to check on him. His back was to me as I shouted "Hey N.....you doing all right??" No reply. So, I made my way to the living room, peered around the chair and Gah! Balls to the breeze! I mean, I couldn't even bring myself to see if he was breathing. What do I do now, I think? If I go round to the front of the house, peer in the window (making sure the sill conceals the family jewels) maybe I might be able to see if he's still alive. Or.....maybe he will wake up, see me there and think I am a perv at the window trying to get a better look! Bad idea! Well, I think.....I will let some time pass, check him when he's sobered up......if he's dead, he's dead.....taking a closer look won't bring him back. I can return armed with a blanket to throw on top of him.
A few hours later, a more sober N responds to my calls. I chastise him for drinking "the hard stuff" and make him promise to stick to beer. If he does that I will make sure he has dinner for the next little while (the only meals he has been eating, I was recently informed).
Due to circumstances the last couple of days, I was not able to bring N any dinner. I go to visit today to say hello and have a chat. His request......."You think you could bring me over some of that lovely green salad you made me they other day. I am having a bit of a craving for greens".
My "random" act of kindness has become take out.......
GermanG
No comments:
Post a Comment