On the evening of Thursday, December 12, 2019 I was on my way home.

 

I was walking on the sidewalk, pulling my shopping cart laden with school supplies.

 

A short while earlier I had finished a lecture on science to first graders at a local preK-8 CMSD

Public School. I am a volunteer teacher. This is my 15th year.

 

It was a cold evening – with temperature in the mid 30s (degrees F). There was no wind.

 

I was well dressed with layers and layers of warm clothing and multiple warm caps under my turban.

 

 

I had my cotton gloves on. I take a lot of photographs – so the cotton gloves are easy to take off and put on to operate the camera. I always have a pair of woolen gloves – just in case it gets bitter cold.

 

As I was walking down one of the main streets, I saw someone lying on the sidewalk – about two to three feet away from the curb. The time was 4:50 p.m.

 

A closer examination showed that the person was a lady and she was lying on her side and holding on to a sign.

 

The sign was in two parts. She was holding both parts from below with one hand – where the two parts met.

 

The sign had a message from which it was clear that the lady was protesting against someone associated with a nearby business establishment. The photograph shows the two signs. I have blocked out the message so as not to take any sides in the issue. For the same reason I have withheld details of the location of the incident.

 

I immediately concluded that the lady needed help – she had to be moved from the sidewalk.

 

I did not have my cell phone with me. I am one of those odd Clevelanders who only has a landline. My late wife (Sarah Clingain Puri) passed away a few years ago. I got a cell phone a few months ago – since I have no one to call – I don’t carry it with me. But I should.

 

I went inside the store. I saw three people. They looked like employees. I told them about the lady lying outside on the sidewalk. One of took a peek from the window, I requested if they could call 911 – but there was no response.

 

So I came out.

 

Now I am looking for someone with a cell phone.

 

Cleveland does not have too many pedestrians. Sometime I am the only person walking for miles without meeting any one. My late wife and I are from New York City – and it is always bustling with pedestrians. We moved to Cleveland in 2001. We live in a house on the south side of Jefferson Park – a house with a 2-car garage but no cars. I walk and use public transportation.

 

Cars, buses, trucks, and other vehicles were rolling by in the busy 4-lane street.

 

Fortunately, a pedestrian passed by. I explained to him what happened. He immediately called 911.

 

I thanked him and he went his way.

 

I went over. Asked the lady to put her hands inside while I held the signs for her. Somehow she did not want to let go of the signs.

 

It took about 5 minutes for an EMS van and a fire truck to come.

 

About five people came out.

 

I explained to them what happened.

 

They started talking to the lady – told her it was not safe for her to be lying down there.

 

The lady did not budge.

 

Well, they kept on talking to her and finally she got up and went inside the EMS van.

 

I thanked the staff.

 

Soon, the fire truck and the EMS van pulled away.

 

And I was finally on my way home.

 

What a day!

 

Have a Happy New Year!