Should I call him?

United States
September 25, 2011 9:30pm CST
I work in a local pharmacy. Lately, I have been working every weekend because I am going to school. This morning, there was a man who came in to get a prescription filled. We quickly filled the prescription for him. He had paid for it and was talking to me for a couple of minutes. Just before he left, he asked us to call a cab for him. None of us ever take cabs locally. We did find the telephone numbers to 2 local cab companies - but neither are open on Sundays. The man was waiting in front of the store for the cab, so I went to talk to him. I didnt want him to be waiting forever for someone that wasnt coming. The bus also doesnt run on Sundays. I asked him how he got there - a neighbor had dropped him off. But he was lucky to have seen the neighbor as the neighbor was leaving. We couldnt call them to pick him up. He has no local family. In the end, I went back inside to ask my boss if I could drop him off at home - he only lives a couple of minutes away. She agreed. I went outside and told him I would take him home. He was very thankful. It wasnt a long car ride, but we talked the entire time. Well, mostly he talked. He is 74 years old. He also mentioned that he is illiterate. He needs someone to read his mail to him and help him write out checks. Obviously, it has to be someone that he could trust. He asked me to do it. He had tried several times to offer me gas money, but I declined each time. I think he realized that means I am not someone who would take advantage of him. He said he would pay me $40 for my time, one day each week. I could definitely use the money. I also thought very highly from him the minute we started talking. He reminds me very much of my own grandfather. And I think it is terrible that there isnt anyone to help him. (He mentioned his grandson was into drugs, at least for several months.) I do think that I am going to call him to try to help him. He is too nice to be forced out of his own house or have someone take advantage of him! I am nervous about how his family will react - a complete stranger coming in to help him. Do you think it is a good idea? What would you do in this situation?
3 responses
@jodylee (946)
• United States
26 Sep 11
I think people are brought into our lives for a reason and this seems like an opportunity that would benefit both people. It sounds like you have a good read on this person and he would seem to be a good person. I would not pass up the chance to at least see if it is something that could work out for a bit of extra money.
1 person likes this
• United States
26 Sep 11
Thanks. I feel like I got a good read on him too. Before he told me that he was illiterate, I guessed as much. I asked for his signature (for picking up his prescription) he immediately asked me to fill it in for him. When I repeated that all I needed was his signature, he said ok that he could write his name. I just cant imagine leaving him without help! And I have always been a sucker for the elderly!! \
@jodylee (946)
• United States
26 Sep 11
It sounds amazing and I am so excited for you and for him. It must be difficult for him to find someone to trust and I hope it works out for you both. The elderly are so great and you can learn so much from them. I imagine he has a lot of stories to share and it would be great for him to have someone to share them with.
1 person likes this
• United States
26 Sep 11
He definitely seems to have a lot of stories!! I wish I could have stayed with him today to talk more. I definitely everyone can learn something from people that have been around longer than they have!! The more I think about him, the more I cant wait to call him tomorrow. I think I will try to go over to his house later this week to talk to him and help him! Thanks for the encouragement. I definitely needed it!
@huilichan8 (1378)
• Singapore
27 Sep 11
I think you cld go ahead and help him. As long as you are genuine in wanting to help him, don't let anything or anyone stop you. I am sure he wld be glad to hv you help him out.:)
@ljames85 (294)
• Canada
26 Sep 11
In this situation and how you describes it i would poersinally call him. I know how sketxhing that it can be in this day Nd age but not everyone js bad, he seenz to be genuine aith the intentions involved.