Police, Fire People Among Our Best
Dear Ann Landers: Last September, I attempted suicide. My whole life was a mess. I was unconscious for three days and almost died, but thank God, I lived.
The very first people to arrive at my home after the 911 call were three wonderful firemen from Engine 1441, along with a wonderful officer from the Dublin, Calif., police. These four men worked hard to save my life. The firemen kept me breathing until the paramedics arrived. The police officer kept curiosity seekers away from my home and consoled my daughter and a friend. My daughter told me how caring and compassionate they all were.
Three months later, I wrote a letter thanking all of them for working so hard to save my life. Ann, I was not prepared for what happened next.
The three firemen took time out of their busy schedules to come to my house with a Christmas card and a plant. I have never been so amazed in my life. These complete strangers cared enough to go out of their way to show kindness.
Newspapers tend to print only the negative about the police and fire departments. Please let your readers know how kind and gentle the men and women are who protect and serve their various communities. - Forever Grateful in California Dear Grateful: What a splendid tribute to the firemen and policeman who helped save your life. These extraordinary people perform acts of heroism every day and think nothing of it. Bless them.
Dear Ann Landers: After my father passed away, Mom offered my brother the downstairs apartment of her home. Mom lives upstairs and agreed to let him live on the ground floor for the first year rent-free. After that, he was supposed to start paying rent.
It is now seven years later, and my mother has yet to see a full month’s rent. She is a very good-hearted person and believes my brother when he tells her things are tough and he can give her only a few bucks here and there.
Mom is 73 and working two jobs. She has four other children who are struggling, but we all manage to get by and try to help her a little. This slick brother will be 40 soon. If he lived anywhere else, his landlord would have thrown him out by now. Because it’s Mom, he thinks he can get away with it.
I hope you will print my letter so my brother will see it and maybe it will shame him into shaping up. - Long Island, N.Y.
Dear Long Island: Moochers like your brother are generally shameless. I’m printing your letter, however, on the outside chance it might make a dent. Meanwhile, it would help if someone could make your mother see that she is crippling your brother even more by allowing him to get away with such shameless freeloading. Make the effort.
Dear Ann Landers: Several months ago, I broke off my engagement to my fiance. I was going away to school and rarely found time to write letters, much less visit. I was also having family problems and couldn’t take the stress of maintaining a serious relationship. Here’s the dilemma. My family problems have been resolved. I have graduated from college and have a good job. I want him back.
After I got my life on track, I realized how much I missed him. I still love him, Ann, and want to marry him. How do I apologize? Is there any way I can fix this? - Raleigh, W.Va.
Dear Raleigh: The best way to “fix” a broken relationship is to be totally honest, make no excuses and just ask for forgiveness. Good luck.