We received a very moving account of an incident that occurred today in front of Bartell’s. The reader who sent this to us wishes to remain anonymous:
As I was walking home from the U-district today, I encountered what appeared to be a man passed out at the bus stop in front of the Bartell’s on 45th. A few men were walking away, saying things like “he’s fine”, “he’s breathing”, “let him sleep it off”. I noticed a couple of women at the bus stop watching the situation; one walked away to the QFC just as I was approaching. I asked if they knew what was going on, if anyone had called 911 and if he was breathing.
The elderly woman, who had remained behind, said that the other woman was off to have the store call 911. I could see that the “man” appeared to be breathing, but in the few minutes I was standing there, had not moved. The woman explained that he had simply rolled off the bench and fell to the ground while she was awaiting the bus. I grabbed my cell phone and began to dial. While waiting on 911 to come on the line, some kids gathered around and began to observe the situation, saying things like, “just another f’ing drunk”. Thankfully, someone else shoo’ed them away. I leaned in to see if he was responsive, and while he appeared to have some mild eye-fluttering and some acknowledgement of my questions, he was generally unresponsive. At that moment, I noticed what appeared to be a hospital ID tag and saw that in fact, this was a 56 YO woman, Karen. I then noticed that she was still wearing what appeared to be traction socks from the hospital. Suddenly, the kids grew quiet in their taunting and we all realized the sadness and severity of the situation. I could hear a distant gurgle in her very shallow breathing and in the minutes that passed while awaiting the paramedics, she continued to lay stationary and unresponsive. Some folks from Bartell’s had joined us by that point and being CPR trained cautioned everyone to allow her to lay still until the paramedics arrived.
I write this not for kudos for doing the right thing, but as a plea to the citizens of my neighborhood to please give a damn about your neighbors. I get that that corner is notorious for pan-handlers and I have seen many folks drunk and disorderly in the area. But, it is just not okay for children to make fun of someone who is clearly in distress, no matter the cause. It is not ok to walk away and ignore a fellow human being who is in need. It is not okay to discard your manners and your compassion.
The paramedics arrived quickly and Karen was still unresponsive. As they gathered her vitals, it was clear that things were not all ok. As they rolled her head to the side, you could see the impact wound from where she hit her head as she fell. As they grabbed a board to transport her to the hospital, I moved on my way – staying to check in with the elderly woman who had first witnessed the event. Karen – I wish you healing and comfort in this difficult time. And to my Wallingford neighbors, I ask that next time, please have a heart.
Dear Wallingford Neighbor re: “A plea for kindness”
Thank you!
Thank you for your humanity and compassion for a fellow neighbor in need, and for staying with them until help arrived. As the saying goes ” there but for the grace of god go I”.
In our current world climate it literally only takes the slightest stumble of fate to cast anyone of into such a tragic and vulnerable situation. Thankfully there are many of us who still care about our fellow human beings. It is a lesson to be instilled if not literally drilled into the young hearts and minds of tomorrow.
Again, thank you for your action and compassion.
John Giovine
Admittedly, because of the vagrant folks that hang around this spot, i cant say i wouldve helped in the same situation :(. The panhandlers act as “the boy who cried wolf ” for the folks who really do need our help. i am so glad that someone was able to see that this was pretty serious- I hope she is ok.
There’s no wolf to cry if you’re laying on the ground. Call 911 and you’ve done your job.
Thank you for reminding us all that no matter what a person’s circumstances we are all human and should treat each other with dignity and kindness. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” means everyone.
This was a very sad situation–how did this woman end up alone with her hospital footwear still on?!!
Thank you for those who tried to help.
I want to comment on the remarks made by the students who were at the scene: “Just another drunk.” Your lack of compassion is appalling!! I live in Wallingford, and have noted several instances in which students from the local middle school have behaved atrociously! Last week, a student intentionally walked very slowly in front of my car while his friends smirked.
I fear for the future of our civil society when I see how these young people behave towards others.
Parents: Are you doing your job? Are you teaching your children to treat others as they would want to be treated? If not, SHAME ON YOU!!!
Thank you for your kind heart and compassion. It’s a good reminder that we are all human…some with better fortune than others. There is always time to help another in need.
Thank you for calling 911. My great uncle died on the street years ago of cardiac arrest; I was told that many people walked past him and neither provided assistance nor called for help because he was assumed to be a vagrant.
I don’t understand – why does being a “vagrant” exempt you from human kindness or consideration?
Also, don’t fret about the middle schoolers, just remember what a dingbat you probably were, like me, trying on thirty identities in a day. Just have tolerance and know that most of them will turn out fine (and be utterly mortified by their 7th grade behavior).
I sometimes sub teach in Hamilton. That position is an open invitation soemtimes in some students’ mentalities to misbehave or show disrespect. I have very few problems with kids from Hamilton or Eckstein. The few who may mock an ill person on 45th out of ignorance do NOT represent the entire group and their parents.