Random Acts of Kindness: Help given to the height-impaired
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As an under-5-foot tall, 77-year-old senior citizen, I would like to thank all the shoppers at Shop 'n Save in South Fayette and the Giant Eagle at Chartiers Valley Shopping Center who help me reach things on top shelves.
I speak not only for myself but for all short shoppers in saying it is a blessing when I ask, or when someone sees me struggling and without hesitation helps me out. They always do so in a cheerful and friendly manner.
Keep up the good work, and be thankful every day that God made you tall.
THERESA CIESIELSKI
Bridgeville
Our dad, Harry Orchowski, had joy in his heart and was filled with Christmas spirit. He was singing and smiling when he kissed our mom goodbye before leaving for work.
He had just left his office Christmas party en route to meet a friend in the Strip District to exchange gifts. He collapsed on the pavement in front of Cafe Raymond. A nurse witnessed this but was unable to assist, as she had just had back surgery. She ran inside the cafe to get help.
Marie, who is a student nurse and married to the cafe's owner, rushed outside and administered CPR until the paramedics arrived. Our dad was unresponsive at the hospital. He was in grave condition, and the doctors were surprised he survived such an attack. The paramedics credited Marie as the reason he did not die on the street.
Marie visited the hospital on Christmas Eve. Our family was elated to meet her. She was able to tell us what had occurred in those moments. Marie said she just knew he was someone's grandfather. She was telling him to hold on because the grandchildren want to be with their grandpa at Christmas.
Bystanders had wrapped our dad in a blanket to keep him warm and removed his glasses from his cut and bruised face. It brought peace to our family knowing that such wonderful people found our dad and took good care of him.
Dad passed away on Dec. 26. Marie's immediate response and knowledge of how to react in that situation allowed our family four days to spend with him and say our goodbyes. Our family is grateful to both nurses for coming to our dad's rescue.
MIMI ORCHOWSKI
Mt. Lebanon
It was New Year's Day, and I gave myself a treat. I took myself to Denny's for an early dinner.
Seated in a booth, I pondered the menu. Three young women were seated in the booth in front of mine. We smiled and casually nodded a kind of "Happy New Year."
I placed my order and opened my book. Food arrived for the three young women, and then my meal arrived. I alternated between bites of dinner and paragraphs of my book, while smiling again at the next table, when our eyes met.
The three young women finished their food and left the restaurant. I continued to read and dally with my dinner, while the waitress came by to see if I needed anything.
She announced that she would not, however, be bringing me a check. She was so happy to tell me that the three young women had paid my bill as they left!
I was thrilled! I was touched! Tears came to my eyes as I realized what a kind thing they had done. My fixed income allows for few restaurant visits.
What a wonderful way to start a promising new year!
BARBARA A. MOORE
Zelienople
First Published February 9, 2012 12:00 am
