Lending a Helping Hand

(Story by Allan Denne, Muskoka Seniors Magazine, 2020)

Our upstairs neighbour called again yesterday; third or fourth time in three or four days. I know what she needs.

You see, we live in a small apartment building aimed at seniors. Upstairs neighbour is 94 years old, hearing questionable, eyesight rapidly fading, diabetic and on daily insulin injections.

She is an independent, proud lady but in rapid demise. I know she has pushed some buttons on her T.V. remote that has completely eliminated her cable T.V. and all reception. I know she will miss her afternoon soaps unless I can get that reinstated again soon.

I tuck my knees up under me as I sit scrunched on her floor, T.V. remote in hand searching for the buttons that will restore her reception. I am not young. I know my knees will ache and cause me grief later. I grow frustrated with the attempt, almost lose my temper but hold my curses.

Finally, I hit the right buttons and the T.V. screams to life, full volume. I get the set adjusted to viewable and uncoil my self to leave when I notice the tears and hear the sobs of “Thank You’ from our neighbour. That response marks this effort “Paid in Full!”

My wife and I will celebrate our 56^th wedding anniversary this year. We are both grateful that we are still able to assist our neighbours whenever possible. It’s the blessing we most appreciate being in receipt of.