Yesterday I received this email from our property manager at work:
“Many of you have seen Lydia here during the day as our day porter as well as at night.
Yesterday her husband died at home and she needs our help if you are inclined. She has no family and has no money for the funeral. If you would like to help, you can make out a check to Lydia or bring cash and give it to Lisa at the KW reception desk, she will take it to her.”
It’s amazing how situations arise when you ask for them. So my first $25 donation of the year went to our lady who cleans our offices. I had never known her name or anything about her because she only speaks Spanish. She does not understand any English except for a friendly hello. Even though we have the language barrier, she is one of the nicest people–always offering a welcoming smile.
I remember one instance when the lights went out in the whole building. We went outside our office to see if all the lights were off and check if everyone was okay. That’s when we heard someone’s muffled screams. There was someone trapped on the elevator who was crying for help; it was Lydia. I understood what she was saying, how she was trapped in the elevator and how hot it was getting. But unfortunately, I don’t speak Spanish; instead I found some who did. He tried to calm her nerves, telling her help was on the way. We finally found the maintenance guy, Manego (mah-nay-go), who was able to get the elevator doors open and help her out since it was stuck between floors. She was crying and shaking. All I could do was give her a hug.
Now I’m being given the opportunity to do lend more than a hug, a monetary donation toward her husband’s funeral. She has no other family. There’s no one else to help and afterwards, she’s going to be alone. It just makes you grateful for what you have…
Here’s another story to tug at your heart strings from Stay At Home Babe.
*UPDATE*
I just found out that my company also donated money to Lydia–$100. Proves that some people still care about the well-being of others.
