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Just venting, I guess
Hello,
I don’t really have a question-just something to share. yesterday, the doorbell rang. It was our neighbor from across the street. We don’t know her well. She has lived alone there for 20+ years and keeps to herself mostly. We have shared garden produce and an occasional greeting, but that’s about it.
She was visibly upset, crying and shaking, telling me her vehicle had been stolen from her garage. She could not get the police to call her back. Could not get hold of her brother, and Said her phone “didn’t seem to want to work”. She had no money. I asked how her dog was. “Do I have a dog? No, I don’t think I do anymore”. (Later on she mentioned her dog. We called the police together, to say her car was stolen. The young officer who arrived was wonderful. She went home with him (I handed him a piece of paper saying “welfare check?” And later got to speak with him in private. Later on, after police had contacted her niece, the niece came over and we know the rest of the story. (SORRY FOR TOO LONG A POST). The brother she couldn’t reach has recently passed away…Our neighbor had driven several hours away, and police in that town had stopped her, as her auto insurance had lapsed. Contacted the niece, who went to get her, and had her evaluated at a hospital there. The vehicle is still to be retrieved. Turns out, no one knows how many days she was gone…dog and cat were alone at home…for a day? Two? She will not give POA (nor can she now, probably, legally) to anyone…so her nieces have a lot on their plates, but thankfully, now realize how serious the situation is. The woman is very independent, not close to neighbors or family, but they will now step up. The reason I tell this long sad tale is that I was so very shaken after my part was over, as we are headed down this same path! Thankfully, for most/all of us conversing here in this group, our loved ones have US - their support system. (And we hopefully have our own support networks as well). I ended the day thankful and feeling blessed. Again, apologies for the long post. It hit very close to home.
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@2me Thank you for stepping up to help your neighbor! This whole scenario could have ended very badly without your action. Do you now have contact info for the nieces? I ask because in cases like this, the story will not end here, and you may need to get in touch with them again.
Again, thanks - it not only takes a village to raise a child but also to protect the vulnerable.
PS My husband and I faced a similar situation with our neighbors many years ago as all of their nieces and nephews were in Canada and England.
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8 Reactions@sueinmn Hi, Sue,
Yes, I have one niece’s contact info and she has mine. She told me this morning she will take her aunt to get the phone situation and electric sorted out today! Also, they are working on the other issues, including getting some help in the home - short term, at least. It is so very sad. (And today, my husband doesn’t remember the niece (whom we had never met before) sitting here in our family room talking with us both.). 😢. I hope and pray he’s approved by insurance for those Lequembi infusions soon! Thanks for reaching out, and for doing what you do to help us all!
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6 ReactionsIt's amazing, when we're caught up in the same situation, how quickly we spot a similar situation and what you did for her was wonderful and kind. It's also amazing how nieces or nephews - those in the family she specifically had, weren't more involved in her life, especially if they knew and had been dealing with her history. We had a similar thing take place at our church, with one of a 90 year old member, no family in the area, with alzheimer's, although I'm not sure we were totally aware of it, at that time. We had to help move her out of her house, into independent living, only to be there less than a year, and into assisted living, where her out of state nephew finally showed up, even though we called him so many times. He finally moved her to Michigan where he was. We learned, shortly thereafter, she passed. Sad, but I'm glad you were there for your neighbor and that she knew to reach out to you. Hopefully, her family will take better care of her daily needs and keep her safe.
Best, Karla
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3 Reactions@2me Prayers for you in getting the insurance approval sooner than later. Ours came in pretty fast from the doctor's office! Best, Karla
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2 Reactions@kjc48 Thank you, Karla. Our neurology office will stay on top of it. They are wonderful.
@kjc48 It must be so difficult for those having no family…or family that isn’t close. I believe now that all are aware of how much this has progressed, that she will get the help and care she needs. How wonderful of you to do all that for your church member! I think in our neighbor’s case, the family isn’t close, and was not aware of the seriousness. I know I was not, but we will be helping however we can in this time of transition. I do get the feeling her nieces are caring people.
God's angels......that's what we are when we go out of our way to help others - especially when they're not the ones we're looking after every day. Best, Karla