I was having dinner with the Peas – Sweet and Grand – when a “neighbor” called. During the summer I had observed Neighbor bobbing and weaving on unsteady feet, carrying many grocery bags in the heat of the day, as I entered the gate to our community. He appeared to be near collapse. It’s quite a walk from the gate to even the first building and it turned out that his is well beyond mine. I stopped and suggested he put his many bags in the back seat and let me drive him as close to his door as possible. He was really having a hard time.
I remember that after arriving at his building, he sat in the car for a very long time. The A/C was running high and I guessed it was more than he was accustomed to, so I just sat and waited him out. He spoke of his recent stroke, and losing the ability to drive his taxi, his means of livelihood. I gave him my card and told him if he ever needed a lift to call me, and if I was anywhere near, I would fetch him.
This evening he called, for the first time, asking for a ride to the local WalMart to get water. For that, he had definitely called an understanding person. He picked up a case of 32 bottles. I suggested he get more and told him I would take care of it.
As we walked the aisles of the store, he caught me up. Neighbor is losing his home because of unpaid maintenance fees. A realtor is helping him with a short sale (his place needs some work and he cannot get market price). Probing, I asked what the balance of his mortgage was. When he told me I couldn’t believe it! He thinks he’s going to get a few thousand from the sale, but I am doubtful, considering the condition of the place (as he described it) and the balance of the mortgage. I am also concerned that a realtor would have a recovering stroke patient sign a contract. From my interactions with him I am skeptical of his ability to understand clearly what he is doing. Also, Neighbor lost his taxi because he has been unable to work. He is confident that when he gets a medical release, the taxi company with which he contracted will allow him to drive and thereby earn an income.
I am concerned for Neighbor. His siblings have refused to help him and it seems he has no other family. He is a veteran. Tomorrow I will try to contact the VA to see if there is anything they can do to help him – an advocate –- securing living quarters or something — I really don’t know what, but I hope something.
This is one of those times when it would be nice if either 1) I had won the lottery and built my dream “commune” for seniors and parentless children, or 2) I was just plain old wealthy with a generous heart intact.
If any who reads this as an idea to help Neighbor, please contact me.
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