So here's the backstory...

I do a lot of work on ropes courses. On Saturday I was up 40ft in the air on an element doing some repairs. I lost my footing and fell off the side. My safety gear caught me, and my body caught by my harness and the rope swung back into the course and I took the blunt end of a 2x4 directly into the side of my knee. Knew I messed it up, and went to see the doc today. Long story short, I'm in a knee immobilizer (one of those full leg braces) and on crutches for at least the next 7-10 days.

Anyway, after getting out of the doc's office, it's lunch time and I stop at a local deli that I like for a pastrami sandwich. I'm sitting at a table outside when I hear the noise of a squeaky wheel behind me. I look over my shoulder to see an elderly lady sitting in one of those rolling walkers with a seat on it, slowly scooting her way an inch at time (obviously struggling) down the side walk and eyeballing a car in the handicapped spot about 10 feet from me and 20 feet from her. Now, first, there are 2 other tables outside of this deli. Table #1 has a guy in his 30's having lunch with his wife/girlfriend and their baby. Table #2 has a business man in his 40's sitting at it, and his chair happens to be blocking the ramp area of the sidewalk into the street next to this lady's car. And then there is me at table #3 against the glass front of the deli.

Normally I would have jumped right up and asked the lady if I could help her. But with my knee, I first looked at the other two men sitting at the other tables. I see that both of them see this lady, but neither move or show any signs of even thinking about it. Even the man blocking her route! So I get myself out of my chair and standing up, leave the crutches and ask this lady if I can help her to her car. She sees my leg and says no, but thanks, but I insist anyway, and walk over to her. I proceed to help move her along, and the business man stands up and moves his chair, fortunately without me having to ask, so that we can get her onto the street and next to her car. I make sure she gets in her car ok, and go back to my lunch.

Now, I'm not always the man I should be, but I was raised to be a gentleman, especially when it comes to the elderly and women. Out here in SoCal, I've found that some even take that as sexism. And maybe by today's standards it is (and I'm only 28), but man those two yahoo's sitting there trying to ignore this woman really torques me off! I'm not crazy right? It is depressing to think that this is where our society is heading? Thanks for listening, I'm just still a little upset over the lack of respect and action from those two men (if you can call them that).

You did exactly the right thing. And I for one am proud of you. Those other two questionable men should be ashamed of themselves

+1

Tug wrote:
You did exactly the right thing. And I for one am proud of you. Those other two questionable men should be ashamed of themselves I feel the same way. BTW I hope your knee gets better real quick.

MountainCruiser, kudos to you brother!! you're not crazy. I was raised to show respect & help the elderly. I was at the nuerosurgeon office a few weeks ago, the place was packed & not an empy seat.A lil old lady came in all hunched over, barely able to walk & out of breathe. I was barely able to walk or stand myself due to a severe back issue. However, I was the only person that offered her my chair. She accepted my offer & she sat while I stood.There were other men & women in the age range of 18- 50 yrs old with only broken arms that did not offer this lil lady their chair. I thought about going nuts on that bunch. However, I didn't. I remained calm & had a pleasant conversation with her. She told my all about her lil dog, her flowers, her son that's an engineer, daughter that lives in oregon etc.. Even though her health was obviously much worse that anyone in the waiting area she still had a very positive character. I live in the south. Southern hospitality use to be the only way of life down here. The lack of respect that people show for the elderly is fading fast here. I'm not saying all people are this way. However, parents aren't instilling this in their children they way they did when I was coming up & I'm still a young man (38 yrs old).

I am getting older but I'm not that old even though this next comment will make it seem that way. Good for you it is rare these days to see someone in thier 20's act the way you did, and I'm sure most of the ones that do are a part of the forum.

Get well soon.

Im 27 and have noticed that a big chunk of people around my age have a lack of respect for the older people and for each other for that matter. i grew up in tennessee where manners were always present, also grew up in boy scouts which also taught us manners and respect for other people. Its sad for me to see so much disrespect and its even worse in the "state of criminal governors" Illinois! where i unfortunatly reside as of right now. I feel like an old man as far as maturity and respect go compared to the current 20-35 year old range. Great job helping that lady. im always holding doors and helping people out with stuff and you just dont see that anymore!!!! respect everyone!!! one love!!

P.S. Dont get me started on teenagers!!!!

Good job! I would have done the same as you did... chivalry is not dead... it is still in a real gentleman...

Good job man! You can't worry about what everyone else does,it'll drive you crazy. You did the right thing and be proud of that. The younger generation are all about themselves and you proably won't change that but maybe you actions made someone stop and think. We have to lead by example(and apply a boot when needed) .