That Lady

I've become that lady. The one who gives out band aids, calls the police when a man is crying in the street threatening to end his life. Like what happened today. I met this young man, age 28, two weeks ago. He told me he lives with his blind mom and helps her out. He was telling me all of this while helping me pick up the trash in the communal lot. He cried when he found his mother's special-for-the-blind cellphone, smashed. Today he was crying, walking down the street bare-chested, his lime green shirt balled up in his hands. "My life is over, my life is over," he sobbed. I phoned the police because here in Woonsocket we take mental health seriously. No buddy, we can help you. Your life is just beginning. Two uniformed officers arrived and I briefed them as best I could and they brought the young man back with them to get help. AMEN to the Woonsocket Police Department. We LOVE THEM!