by Cowboy Bob Sorensen
This is a bit of wondering and pondering.
Back on Thanksgiving Day (November 26, 2015), my wife and I went out for a visit. When we returned home in the afternoon, we noticed that a smoke alarm was sounding from one of the buildings in the apartment complex. We didn't pay it no nevermind, figuring that someone cooked something a mite too long or spilled gravy on a stove on this heavy cooking day.
An hour or two later, it was getting dark and I realized that the alarm was still sounding, so I took a walk over to that building. People were moving in but ignoring the alarm, and I did not see any signs of fire, smoke, or other distress. Some time back, I read about a woman who had been murdered in the street and it took twenty minutes for her to die because people drew their blinds and didn't want to get involved. I had resolved not to be like that, and this was such a time. What if there really was a problem? Maybe someone had a medical problem and couldn't shut off the alarm, and was hoping for help. Maybe nothing. But I wouldn't be able to live with myself if there was something tragic and I did nothing — like the other people were busy doing.
I had my cell phone, so I called the police and told them the story, emphasizing that there was no sign of fire. They told me to call 9-1-1. Well, okay. So I did that, and again emphasized that there was no sign of fire.
Minutes later, we had a passel of fire trucks and emergency vehicles, including the big truck with the ladders. Hey, I said there was no sign of fire! Oh, well. Whatever the protocol is, I don't know (and the official-type guy I e-mailed never replied). As far as I know, there was nothing to it, seemed to be a faulty alarm that went off while people were away. I was a bit nervous that I'd somehow get in trouble, but I did act in good faith and maybe the "Good Samaritan" laws would apply, so I comforted myself with that.
But why was I the one? Other people were there. I don't believe that I'm special or better than anyone else, and I don't even think it's because I'm a Christian; anyone with a conscience could have checked things out or made the call. Sooner, too.
So, I'm just left wondering about the whole thing and not congratulating myself.
This is a bit of wondering and pondering.
Back on Thanksgiving Day (November 26, 2015), my wife and I went out for a visit. When we returned home in the afternoon, we noticed that a smoke alarm was sounding from one of the buildings in the apartment complex. We didn't pay it no nevermind, figuring that someone cooked something a mite too long or spilled gravy on a stove on this heavy cooking day.
 |
| Image credit: Freeimages.com / Roy White |
I had my cell phone, so I called the police and told them the story, emphasizing that there was no sign of fire. They told me to call 9-1-1. Well, okay. So I did that, and again emphasized that there was no sign of fire.
Minutes later, we had a passel of fire trucks and emergency vehicles, including the big truck with the ladders. Hey, I said there was no sign of fire! Oh, well. Whatever the protocol is, I don't know (and the official-type guy I e-mailed never replied). As far as I know, there was nothing to it, seemed to be a faulty alarm that went off while people were away. I was a bit nervous that I'd somehow get in trouble, but I did act in good faith and maybe the "Good Samaritan" laws would apply, so I comforted myself with that.
But why was I the one? Other people were there. I don't believe that I'm special or better than anyone else, and I don't even think it's because I'm a Christian; anyone with a conscience could have checked things out or made the call. Sooner, too.
So, I'm just left wondering about the whole thing and not congratulating myself.
Comments
Post a Comment
Comments are moderated and become my property. Do not forget, you can have your own discussions on the topics at hand by using the social media sharing buttons beneath each post.