The Golden Rule: Be a bud

Posted on by Raymond Rivers Gainey

About two weeks ago, as I was driving on I-240 during a rainstorm towards Skyland, I noticed an older-model Buick with a flat tire. The person driving was an elderly woman. Immediately … I realized that I must stop and assist. The woman in need did not have a cell phone and was just waiting until the rain stopped to flag down help.

The woman introduced herself as Ms. Maggie. I instructed Ms. Maggie to wait in my vehicle while I changed her tire for her, as it was safer than being in her own car. Tire change completed, I walked Ms. Maggie back to her car, receiving profuse thanks. Just yesterday, while going through my console, there was piece of tissue that I didn't recognize and, upon opening, read a note scribbled by Ms. Maggie saying thanks, along with $23 in cash. I have a feeling that this may well have been all the money that she had on her at the time, due to the arbitrary amount. I wanted to say thanks to you, Ms. Maggie, but that was totally unnecessary, as in no way did I stop to help for monetary gain.

Please, Asheville, remember: Community has nothing to do with how old you are. Please make sure that the elderly have what they need this winter before you build that snowman or walk to a friend's house for a toddy. Shovel their driveway for them. Make sure they have food, water and any medications they may need to outlast the storm. You'd want your parents’ neighbors to do the same in similar circumstances … as I can only hope someone does for Ms. Maggie.

— Raymond Rivers Gainey
Asheville

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2 thoughts on “The Golden Rule: Be a bud”

  2. Matt Howard

    Good on you Raymond. I read your letter in the paper and decided to take the time to comment here. You made my day.
    Our society is too quick to treat the elderly as disposeable. Many young people have a contempt for those older than them, as if being old was a lifestyle choice.

    You either grow old or you die young.

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