As any caregiver knows, “we” means I climbed up and down and all around illuminating our 9’ Frazier Fur. The rest of the cast of ‘helpers’ chomped cookies offering encouragement and compliments.It was impossible not to reflect on a comedic scene from the movie released Thanksgiving weekend 1996 involving Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sinbad battling their way through a Christmas shopping stampede. Filmed with Hollywood craftsmanship, special effects, and stunt people you get comedy.
Twelve Thanksgiving weekends later, in reality, you get tragedy. I read that a cell phone video posted on You Tube shows a police officer crouching by a man lying at the entrance of the Valley Stream,
NY Wal-Mart. Shoppers peer from behind glass doors or stand a few feet away, audio-enhanced chatter captures "They need to shock him," a voice says … another cracks a joke … women laugh.The coroner ruled Jdimytai Damour, 34 died of suffocation. He could not breathe trampled under the stampede of Christmas bargin shoppers on frugal Friday, black Friday, or whatever.
Valley Stream, NY may not be all that unfamiliar. Snapple Beverage Co., and the drink itself, started there.
Portions of the film “Goodfellas” were filmed in Valley Stream.
Reggae singer, Shaggy, lived and recorded there.
Steve Buscemi - Actor/Director, grew up in Valley Stream
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $428,480
Estimated median household income in 2007: $78,829
Sounds more like the fictional Bedford Falls than the kind of town where a life is less valuable than saving a few bucks.
Or is it that we, regardless of where we live have forgotten to care or even what we care about?
What does this entry have to do with caregiving? Everything! One day, EVERYONE will know or love someone who cannot care for themselves. God help us!
Caregivingly Yours, Patrick Leer
website: http://caregivinglyyours.com/
videos: http://www.youtube.com/daddyleer
musings: Patrick Ponders ...
Wow, I'm not sure all the you tube videos are things needed to be shared. That's just sad. Again, great post.
ReplyDeletethat is so sad; all for saving a few pennies, but what it cost for that man and the grief of his family and friends this holiday season; oh that it is not a norm over the years; and that we would care for all people regardless of what they look like or can contribute to or do for us. I echo Paula's sentiment; again a great post
ReplyDeletecookies and tree decorating seem to go hand in hand; I'm sure it was a good time for all :)
betty
Isn't it a shame that we have become so insensitive to tragedy.
ReplyDeleteexcellent post!
((((((((((((((HUGSTOYOU))))))))))))))))I heard of the man died,it is just to sad,I cant understand how people can be so mean theeses days and not care,not saying all people dont care,it is just sad.
ReplyDelete