Comments on: A Helping Hand

By: DC

DC — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:07:21 +0000

Great advice Ed I love that idea.

By: Damsel Underdressed

Damsel Underdressed — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:00:10 +0000

Umm…I THINK I had dry eyes when I started reading this. What a kind act. And as always, thank you for all that you do.

By: Ed Skinner

Ed Skinner — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:02:18 +0000

Oops, make that “won’t squander”. [Sigh.]

By: Ed Skinner

Ed Skinner — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:01:09 +0000

Accepting someone’s generosity in a time of need can be hard for some. (That’s probably a sign that the recipient is well chosen and squander the gift.)

It will sometimes ease the receiving if the gift is accompanied by the comment that this not to be repaid to the giver, but to someone else in the future who needs it.

When accepted, that obligation to “pay it forward” allows today’s recipient to retain an important part of their pride — that they will be better, and will be generous to others who are needy — and it perpetuates caring between individuals.

Well done, Officer.

By: Ann T. Hathaway

Ann T. Hathaway — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 17:45:50 +0000

Dear Sandra,
I was very moved by this–had to read it three separate times before commenting.

First, I was so impressed by Jon’s actions. The right kind of compassion, nothing gooey about it. Just as you said, he’d made the man-to man connection. Sometimes in our charity, we forget about other people’s pride. They need it to keep going. Your partner understood it. And you did.

Second, it’s what we all rely on–the decency of our first responders–police, emergency personnel, anyone who works with others beyond their own milieu. Security is bigger than safety alone.

If all of us would work beyond what we know comfortably, the world would be a much better place. That’s going to be my touchstone.

Thank you for a lovely post. It makes a difference.

Sincerely,
Ann T.

By: Sandra

Sandra — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 16:10:35 +0000

Hi – government programs have greatly inmproved since then, and there are now many avenues for people in need to get immediate assistance.

Jon – this had nothing to do with me – it was 100% my partner.

By: Tim

Tim — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 15:57:13 +0000

Please don’t stop writing these stories. It’s probably cathartic for you and it is of immeasurable value to the people who need to see the inside of police work!

By: Jon

Jon — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 21:19:42 +0000

Great story Sandra and this is the kind of things that should be more news worth than the negitive. Most days, the news make me loose a little more faith in humanity (conflicts, violent protesters, crimes, lack of common sence, etc…) but every now and then stories like this restore it. Good on your partner and yourself for helping out that couple as you did.

By: Another Chris

Another Chris — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:19:13 +0000

These are the types of stories the media should be reporting on and I’m not saying that because I think your partner did this for recognition, but because this was clearly a selfless act. I think if people weren’t so blinded by all the negative and twisted things reported about the police in the media, they would definitely look at them in a different light.

thanks for sharing this

By: Mel

Mel — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:05:37 +0000

You’ve got me crying at work… My husband and I aren’t quite that badly off, but we’ve had a narrow scrape recently. I always took money for granted when I was growing up – never again! Thanks for helping people who needed it.