Nearest Hospital

The difference between hearing and listening...

Jenn got out of her car and scanned her shopping list before she made it to the front door. She passed a lady who had her smart phone in front of her, speaking into to it.

“Find nearest hospital to me,” the woman said.

Just as Jenn triggered the sliding entrance doors, she stopped in her tracks. She heard the woman’s words but they hadn’t registered. Jenn turned her head toward the older woman who was now taking baby steps to get to her car.  

Jenn backtracked and caught up with the woman at her car.

“Excuse me. Ma’am? Ma’am? Are you okay?” Jenn asked as she touched her elbow.

The woman looked at Jenn and stared.

“No, no I’m not,” she said. “Could you call an ambulance please? I feel, I don’t know. Not well.”

Jenn took out her phone and dialed 911, explained her location and the nature of the emergency. She hung up, grabbed the two plastic grocery bags she was carrying and walked the woman a few feet to her car. She got the key from her, opened the door, and guided her to the front seat. The sirens for the Fire and Rescue Squad were already blaring in the distance.

Help was on the way, and was already there.

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