Just Stuff

 

A few days ago, I heard the elevator alarm as I left my apartment.  I pressed the button in case that would get it moving, but it didn’t.  I went downstairs, and the people were stuck on the first floor.  I opened the outer door and then pulled and pushed the automatic door to try to get it open enough for them to squeeze out.  They said something in Spanish.  I said in English (the only language I know), “I’m trying to help you.”  I got it open enough for them to help push it open.  They got out.  As I left the building, I saw the husband of one of the women.  “I just rescued your wife.”  He apparently knew they were stuck and had gone to find the super. 

 

Today, I was the one who got stuck in the elevator.  It’s not my worst fear, so I wasn’t panicking.  I was hot in there.  But I was grateful I didn’t have to pee, and there was no roach or waterbug in there.  It could have been worse.  The hardest part was not knowing how long I’d be in there.  I made a lot of noise with the alarm button.  After a couple of minutes, someone showed up and was trying to get the automatic door open for me.  It was the man whose wife I had rescued.  I thanked him so much for returning the favor. 

 

Many of my neighbors barely speak English, and I know just a bit of Spanish; however, most of us do speak "neighbor."  💚

.....

 

On Friday, my long-time friend Judy, who lives in Staten Island, was in the Bronx for some business, so she texted to see if I was free to come downstairs and see her before she went home.  That’s always a treat.  It’s usually for about 15 minutes.  This time, she didn’t have to get anywhere else, so we spent a few hours together sharing many things including our troubles.  I hadn’t expected that amount of time.  It felt good.  I wish we lived closer to each other.

 

In our twenties.

                                                                            Decades later. 

Much love to CGG-M. ❤❤❤