Hearty thank-you goes out to a host of fine folks
On the Saturday before Christmas, I parked in the garage at the Giant Eagle Market District on Centre Avenue in Shadyside.
As I approached the ramp to the elevators, a father was coming out. His little son was in the driver’s seat of one of those carts shaped like a car. He was doing the “zoom, zoom” thing. So cute.
I smiled and urged him on. They passed down the ramp and I proceeded … straight to the floor. I had not judged the step well at the side of the ramp and fell, banging my knee and head on the floor. I lay there for a minute and then said, “Help?”
A voice said, “We’re here.” I said, “My glasses.” Another voice said, “They’re bent. I’m straightening them.” Another voice was calling 911 and relating the scene to the EMTs. “Let me help you to sit up,” said this kind voice.
I sat up and saw the father and his little boy kneeling there watching me. The little boy had a worried look on his face. I smiled at him and told him I was OK. He looked relieved.
I was shaking as I sat up. I reached out and someone closed his hand on mine in reassurance. I was shaken up and thoroughly embarrassed. A young woman knelt down and inquired if I was on blood thinners. I said I was and she urged me to get checked out. Because I’m a retired nurse, I asked her if she was a nurse. She replied, “I’m a doctor.”
Then some other voices said, “Let’s get you up.” I told them they might need a crane, but two strong men on each side of me just said, “Up on 3.” And I was on my feet. I still had my head down. I had only looked the man and his son and the doctor in the eye. I assured the man with the phone that I did not need the EMTs.
Still looking down, I said, “I’m OK now. Thanks.” I turned and got in the elevator with the “phone man.”
I use the excuse that I must have been in shock as the reason I did not raise my head and look at all those angels who helped me.
So let me thank you now, publicly, and hope you see this letter of gratefulness that you shared your love and concern for me. Thank you.
SUSAN H. COX Polish Hill