We weren't the only recipients of their compassionate deeds. They befriended the friendless and took care of the sick. Carl and Sylvia were in their late 70s.
Sylvia had a heart disease that required surgery. During a visit, after she returned home from the hospital, she told me that what this neighborhood needs is "more compassion!" She said that when she got stronger, she and Carl would teach and show compassion to everyone. Imagine our dismay when Sylvia had a stroke and passed away a week later.
Carl lived alone for a year and a half. He became more feeble, but, each Sunday, he walked to church, using his cane. He was dignified, soft spoken and a genuine gentleman.
One evening, there was an ambulance at his home. I ran across the street and found paramedics taking care of Carl. He had fallen, hit his head and layed on the floor for over an hour until he could get to the phone. Even in that condition, he thanked me for coming, asked me to call his granddaughter to let her know he was going to the hospital and apologized for all the blood on the floor. He died 2 weeks later at his daughter's home.
Carl and Sylvia may not have carried out their ultimate goal to make the neighborhood more compassionate, but they left a great legacy for everyone to follow.
The house is for sale. I hope we get as good of neighbors as the Lees....no...on second thought, I hope I can be as good of a neighbor as the Lees.What examples they were to everyone!
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