Whatshot
Be that somebody
Be that somebody
Date: 2024-04-26
My heart is shattered, having lived in Ballito for over three decades and enjoying all that this piece of paradise has to offer. I have been blessed to have had my parents live with me or near me for most of that time. I count my blessings each and every day, maybe this is why this is so painful for me.
About two months ago my parents' house burned down, or should I say part of my parents' house burned. It was the most important part where my mom lived, thankfully no one got injured and the house is thankfully being rebuilt, credits to an insurance policy.
However, the build is taking a huge toll on my parents, they lost so much, so much that the insurance will never repay. Photo albums, wedding dresses, christening clothes passed through generations, legal documents and banking files. Its been hard on my elderly parents especially on my father. I shall leave it there, anyone who has gone through this ordeal will understand the magnitude of this tragedy, now imagine being in your eighties and having to rebuild your life through the ashes.
So, imagine my utter heartbreak when their neighbor put up 'No Parking' signs on municipal verge, attempting to stop us from parking on the pavement in front of his house. This behavior is beyond comprehension. Because the parking in front of my parents is occupied by a skip and building rubble we can no longer park on my parents' property, we have no choice but to use the pavement in front of his house.
But what is most disturbing is that the neighbours' house does not face the pavement, there is a high wall blocking the site of the pavement and he never uses the pavement. It is truly beyond comprehension why someone who lives in such material opulence and splendor would try to prevent their neighbor's from using a facility that is not even theirs to facilitate. What is wrong with people and how do we deal with this antisocial behavior?
We certainly do not want to fight, we have so many challenges that we are facing at the moment. Exhausted by the rebuild and moral fatigue, but we cannot stay silent, we are not going to turn a blind eye to bullies.
Here is a small piece I found which is directed to everyone out there who thinks that your neighbor is just some irrelevant old person.
The Good Samaritan law has its roots in the biblical story of the Good Samaritan, the book of Luke, chapter 10, which highlights the moral duty to help those in need. This principle has been incorporated into our modern legal system to protect individuals who offer help during emergencies, ensuring the are not penalized for their actions. This law is crucial because it encourages ordinary people to lend a helping hand without fear of legal consequences. It promotes culture of compassion, unity, and mutual aid within communities. Being prepared to aid our neighbors in times of crisis not, only saves lives but also strengthens the bonds that hold society together, by supporting individuals who step up to help. Be that somebody.