On June 6, I had a full left hip replacement. A few days later, on June 28, I dislocated the new hip as I was walking my dog, Sammy, at a North Side park. At one point, I decided to sit on one of the park benches, being careful to sit correctly with the new hip.
Instantly, I felt excruciating pain. I screamed out in pain, calling for help as I pushed myself off the bench and clenched the back of it. In the distance, I saw a man walking his dog. I screamed toward him for help. The man, whose name I later learned was Patrick, came over and called 911. Then, another man came over to assist. José, who came from one of the park’s homeless tents, held Sammy’s leash while Patrick made the call.
Both men comforted me until the ambulance arrived. I really don’t know what I would have done if Patrick and José didn’t come to my aid.
I was taken to the hospital where emergency room doctors were able to pop my dislocated hip back into the socket. When I was able to walk longer distances again, I returned to the park and looked for Patrick and José. It took a couple of weeks, but eventually I found José. To date, I am still hoping to reconnect with Patrick.
José and his wife had fallen on hard times after his wife’s disability payments had been canceled. When I saw José again, I thanked him profusely and offered to help him and his wife in any way I could. His response was, “No, but thank you.” He was just happy to assist me in my time of need. I try to visit José whenever possible. My only wish is that I can eventually help him and his wife in some capacity, because that’s what we’re all here for, isn’t it? To be there for one another when it matters most.
José and Patrick’s willingness to help a fellow human being without hesitation is something I’ll never forget. In our current political climate, their actions are a helpful reminder that our shared humanity is much more powerful than what divides us. Their goodwill will stay with me forever.
Danica Milich, Uptown
Leaving Trump to twist in the Windy City
Nearly a century ago, Franklin D. Roosevelt said of the oligarchs of his day, “I welcome their hatred.” While we may not welcome being the target of a dictator who has all but literally declared war on our city, we can certainly accept it as a badge of honor.
Chicago took Donald Trump’s measure long ago. We want no part of him, of the grifters, neo-fascists, and sycophants in his orbit, or of their schemes to transform our country into a dystopian autocracy. I hope and trust that we will show them, peacefully but in no uncertain terms, that Chicago is not their kind of town.
P.S. Odds are that Kristi Noem will show up in town for one of her cosplay photo ops. Hide your dogs.
Richard A. Stewart, West Ridge