On Monday I went to St. Cloud to run my weekly errands. I was at the grocery store and there was an elderly man in the check-out lane and he was having a hard time bagging his groceries so I told Isaac to make sure Nikolai didn't fall out of the cart. I helped the man with his groceries and he started walking out. He started to say something but when he looked past my shoulder the lady that was after him must of looked impatient or something because he stopped and then left. After I checked out I told the kids if we hurried we could probably help him put his groceries in his car. As we were walking out the door I saw him colapsing. I saw a man running our way and his wife standing by the man. I turned and told the kids to run but he couldn't hold himself long enough before I got to him and the lady said he hit his head, and that her husband was calling 911. He was trying to sit up and the lady was telling him to lay down. I slid my hands behind his head so that it wasn't on the ground and then a few of the workers came and told me some one was going to get a towel and just to hang on a bit longer. By this time he was fighting for air and barely had a pulse. The lady and her husband were trying to stand in a way that would block my children's view. I couldn't talk I was losing it and I couldn't seem to pray and then it came, the Holy Spirit took over and I could feel that the words were being said. Someone brought the towel and I slid it under his head and by this time a woman had walked by and was gawking at this poor man. Right after that someone parked right in front of the mans car and she came up asking what happened and is openly gawking and asking if one of us needs to do cpr. Now I am fighting back the tears and the bile rising in my throat. I turned to the lady that worked there and asked if I would be needed to give a statement to the police, I didn't even recognize my own voice, she very compassionatley let me know I could go. I thanked her and let her know that I didn't want my kids to see anymore. As we were walking away Isaac said mom I'm glad I never got hit by a car, and I said yeah honey me too, but that's not what happened to the man and he said yeah I know. I want to lose it more. Then Ariel tells me mommy I'm glad I never got hit by a car and I said me too baby, but that's not what happened and she said I know I was just saying. I made it to Cold Spring before I let the first tears slip, Josh was home when I got there and I held it together until the kids weren't within ear shot. And now I always see that man, and I don't even know if he made it. If he had a family. I think about him alot and see it all again when I close my eyes. It hurts and those rude people makeit that much worse. Why is it so acceptable for people to walk by and gawk or insert themselves into a situation when they have no intention of helping?
I am so sorry you had to go through such an ordeal, but i firmly believe God put you there to be a help to the old man..I know it don't mean much but i want to thank you for the compassion you showed to the gentleman and i know God will Bless you for it..we live in a world now where everyone is looking out for themselves and no one cares about anyone else, especially the older folk..God help us to show love and compassion to all we meet, young or old regardless of who or what they are..again thank you for caring enough to do something..
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wayne
"There's room at the cross for you."
I too am sorry to here about what you had to go through and I'll have your family and the man's family in my prayers.
Hopefully the compassion you showed to help someone out in need will have a lasting effect on those around you and you set a very good example for your children on how to help.
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Arrows and Words. Use them wisely, once released they can't be brought back.
Chris Miles
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Praying for you and the elderly gentleman. After being at a lot of scenes like this one as a cop, I can tell you that many people don't know what to do or are afraid of doing something wrong. Yes, there are certain people who just gawk but many fit the first 2 categories. Some people are rude and uncaring but those people carry their own private hell around with them and then usually take a downward elevator at the end. You can't change the world but you can set an example and raise your children properly, just like you did. Proud of you. May God Bless!!
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Jesus Christ--The reason for the season!
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read this in English, thank a veteran.
If you're certain you know everything, there's little opportunity to learn anything.
I can't tell you how many times that I have seen the same kind of instance. When I am involved, or any other believer, I think, as Motor said, it is no accident, and the Lord gives us an oppurtunity to let His light shine. Your heart's response is evident to us here, and I believe was also evident to others watching, especially in contrast to the others who were 'gawking', rather than being compassionate. I pray for this older gentleman--and you as you process these events.
I need your prayers
