Change the motto for this city as many times as the movers and shakers of the day desire, but no matter what, Moose Jaw is at the very heart, a Friendly City.
Most definitely some elements of our society leave much to be desired, but when push comes to shove, or while navigating hip-breaking ice, the basic goodness comes shining through.
While growing up, the premise of a good upbringing was to respect one’s elders, stand when someone older entered the room, offer your seat to an elderly person, don’t ever call them by their first name, and if they were hesitant to cross the street, be sure to offer a steady arm.
Certainly, times have changed but I think the basic idea is still to show respect to others, regardless of their age. And that respect will flow both ways.
Two instances of my own personal involvement come to mind:
While visiting a professional office one day recently, the challenge was to safely leave the vehicle and cross a bumpy but icy parking lot to arrive at the clean and clear sidewalk. Despite the spikes on my shoes and the pronged spikes on my cane, crossing that lot was a nerve-wracking experience. I made it finally but only after muttering to myself about the lack of a handicapped parking sticker in the window of the black pickup. If not for that driver, I would have been parked mere steps from safety.
Then came the return trip back across the parking lot to my vehicle. As I stood there contemplating my options, a friendly young lady offered her assistance as we carefully traversed the rugged expanse of ice, snow and ruts. We commiserated about the hazards and hoped for an early spring. I did note the different vehicle now in the spot for handicapped drivers was correctly displaying the proper signage — so there was no need to kick the tires in disgust.
A few days later in a retail outlet parking lot, I wheeled into one of the designated spots, hung up my sign, got out and looked at the route to travel to get into the store. Carefully, oh so carefully, I waddled across the ice and ruts, placing my feet with deliberation, supported by my spiked cane, and a silent prayer that the ice would not be my downfall.
Later with my purchases in a large bag over my arm, my purse over my shoulder, gloves on, and cane ready for battle, I left the safety of the store and viewed the still rotten conditions.
Like a snail, I ventured forward, noted that a truck had approached but stopped a safe distance away, the driver deciding to give me space. “Thanks friend.”
Then a voice could be heard: “Do you need some help, ma’am?”
“Yes please, that would be so kind of you,” I told the young man standing there.
I gripped his offered arm and away we went, marching with his confidence across the ice and ruts.
He chatted a bit but I imagine he was thinking: “I hope she doesn’t fall down because I would need help getting her up.” Or: “Why is someone her age out wandering around when she’s stymied by a little bit of ice?” Or: “I hope my granny doesn’t come out today.”
I am happy to report we made it safely to my vehicle where he wished me a “good day” and I thanked him with appreciation for his act of kindness.
After the fact, I wondered if I should have offered to buy him a coffee or doughnut. I am sorry I didn’t think of it in the moment. With my luck, I would have fallen on my rump if I had tried to rummage in my purse for some money.
He knows in his heart how thankful I was for his concern and assistance. His granny is a lucky woman to have such a grandson. I just hope that the next time I have a similar dilemma, someone with his manners will be close at hand to offer a youthful and steady arm.
Joyce Walter can be reached at [email protected]
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
