Be Mindful Of Others, A Little Kindness Can Save You
Eye On C’Bean Community

Maxine Hamilton Alexander

A loud thump at the front door got my youngest daughter off the sofa where she was comfortably lounging, watching TV and darting up the stairs. “Why are you…?” I was not saying when “Don’t go to the door” came my husband’s voice from the kitchen half-way on my way to see who it was. It was rather an unusually loud and long knock, so I waited for him to answer. Hustler, trying to earn a few dollars. I’d not moved my car from where I’d parked it since Friday night. It was buried under snow, which had fallen onto it as well as the snow plowed up against it. My youngest returned, and quite upset I must say, as she was asking all day to let her help me dig it out but….the energy wasn’t there. I was too happy to see the men, though I wished they’d come at day. I did not want them to scratch my car; unintentionally of course. A taxi driver had already face- painted me with its signature turquoise color coupled with a dent last week; $1,500+ repairs. Any additional scratch will leave the car looking less appealing to drive around. With my husband close at hand, we agreed to the cost for digging out the car.

Old man Mr. Winter is never afraid to dump a lot of snow. No matter how mild the winter is going, we can expect without being surprised, even in April, snow…yeah! And it is cold. Brrr! New arrivals from the islands, mi know how it feel, especially if you are taking mass transportation. Woooooeee!! It is particularly interesting to hear the various responses to a week like this, most of onooo ready to get back unto the plane and return when it is warm. But this hear is America and part of the lifestyle is the winter months.

And speaking of the taxi driver hitting me - only because he could not wait and would not give me my rights as another driver on the road, he switched lanes because of a doubled van right into my car. To add insult to damage, he jumps out his car, screaming profanity etc. If he was in the right he’d perhaps assault me? I with my infinite wisdom proceeds and call up the company he works for and lalala…a very angry female, with a strong Trini accent spoke to me. She was rude and with no less hostility than the driver. It was a total useless conversation which I ended before I lost my cool. This happened on a Monday. For the rest of the week I observed carefully fellow drivers and pedestrians as well. In one occasion I saw an over anxious driver bolt from behind a car who slowed to obey the red light. Wooo!! Another time I was heading down Linden to-wards Flatbush to Prospect Park and a man came FLYING down the street and overtook me on the driver’s side. Notice I said overtook me, not pass because I had my indicator on showing that I was slowing to stop. I am assuming Mr. have to get to where he going was not thinking that he could perhaps hurt someone in his careless hurry.

Pedestrians do some of the same nonsensical things, too. Stand on the corner, see the light turn green and then for some reason at that given time just step out into the street. I’m baffled by this thought process. In most cases this is plain lack of RESPECT for the next person. If as a driver you plan to make a turn, the reason for the indicator is to indicate to the driver behind you that you are going to make a turn. Or this one: A driver indicates he is turning and keeps going in front of you. Goodness gracious if some of onooo not rushing to go to the next two blocks, onoooo doing some other nonsense. Take some time to think about how less stressing it is for you and the other driver, just being courteous. Be considerate…..a little kindness can save you from a fender bender or a serious accident. So with that in mind, drive safe, walk good and dress warm. The conditions on the roads are not favorable this week in particular. The life you save might just be your own.

Peace and blessings.