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Don’t be afraid to extend helping hand

To the Editor:

I have lived in Hollis for 18 years. I moved in when I was 50 years old. I often go to the transfer station once or twice a week.

Over the last five years, I’ve become increasingly disabled with arthritis, but I still keep moving. I have noticed that when I go to remove my garbage bags, in 18 years only two times has someone offered to help me. These two times, the offer was made by women my age or slightly younger. Young men, middle-aged men, older men, very capable men, have watched me struggle trying to get the bag over the dumpster wall and limp back to my car, without even a glance. I consider myself lucky if they don’t run me over with their car, truck or their person because I’m slow.

I’ve been thinking about this for quite a few years now because even in my condition if I see someone, man or woman, that needs help, I ask if I can assist them. Just paying attention to the people around me and noticing those that may need that extra little bit of help is a very simple behavior.

I understand that chivalry is dead. It’s very obvious. I don’t expect someone to always ask if I need help, but it would be nice if they did. If you think that I would be insulted or feel less of a person because you ask me, YOU ARE WRONG. I WOULD LOVE YOUR HELP. I am often concerned about asking because I fear many of you would refuse.

Ann Marie Della Fera
Hollis