Dear Editor,
At Northmart, Thursday afternoon, March 1, I was tired. I pushed the cart with my week’s groceries into the porch and went to call a taxi. By the window another woman was waiting for a cab, with her mother sitting on her walker. I joined them. Oh, why did it take so long? They must be busy.
As I stood there, I became very sleepy – as I often do. But there was no bed there, not even a chair. I leaned back into the windowsill and closed my eyes – just a little nap!
When I woke up, I was lying comfortably stretched out on the floor looking into the faces of a circle of women. What had happened? They looked at me with concern, and eager to help.
One of them was kneeling beside my head and asked, “What happened? Why did you pass out?” I didn’t know. How could I! I was unconscious! “Did you have any breakfast? “Yes, and I had just come from Tim Hortons. I didn’t faint because I was hungry.” I was puzzled too. Had I slipped down, or had someone helped me lie down? How long had I been ‘asleep’?
The store manager came, went back and returned with a pillow-brand new, with the plastic still around it. “We need two more!” the woman said. Well, he followed her order.
Three of the people around me were nurses. How had they appeared here? An employee of the store – I’ve known her for decades – went and got some paper towels she had made wet, so I could wipe my sweaty face.
I was overwhelmed by their care and friendliness. All for me, who obviously had done too much. People always tell me I should slow down and look after myself. Yeah, I should have rested at home before going shopping.
I looked up, and was filled with joy: a circle of angels around me!
“I need to go home to Susie,” I said.
“Oh no!” they answered, “We have called the ambulance. We had to!”
One woman offered to take my groceries home and bring the key to the hospital. (She also brought my daughter, Susie!). They helped sit me up. “Can you get up?” a nurse asked. “I need your help,” I answered. “It’s always hard for me to get up from the floor – or from the bathtub! And I am a bit drowsy.”
Just then, two more angels appeared: the ambulance people. And I was carried away.
THANK YOU ALL, you angels!!
I always say, “It’s because of the good Lord, and the good doctors, that I am still alive and enjoying my age.” Now I have to add, “…and because of a very special circle of angels!”
All you old folks who read this: I wish each one of you some angels who help you when you need it most! That makes the joy of living!
Regula Schule
Happy Valley-Goose Bay
regula@eastlink.ca
