Three good Samaritans of James Bay

By Terry Osborne

This is a story about three good Samaritans.

On a fine September day I was walking along Superior St. on my way downtown when I recognized a resident from a local independent living facility almost taking a fall. Thomas usually has his walker with him, but on this particular day he had only his cane; he was wobbling and very off- balance. I approached him, exchanged niceties and asked him where he was heading. He told me he was going to the Bank of Montreal. Thomas could barely stand up, never mind making it to the bus stop, so I tried to reason with him insisting he allow me to take him home and tht perhaps he could try the trip another day when he had his walker. No way, Jose. He was determined he was going to the bank TODAY. End of story. He was determined!

At this point, I turned my plans around and couldn't rest until I got him to the bank and then back home and at the speed we were going, I was hoping we'd get there the same day. Off we go, making baby steps, with Thomas hanging onto my right arm and both of us now wobbling. A kindly couple saw the situation and immediately grabbed Thomas's other arm to help us continue on our way. I explained the situation and the couple decided they would help. They too were going to get us to the bank on time. We approached the green light at the corner of Government and Superior; the trip across took us through the green, yellow, and red light, but yes, we made it!

Just as we took a breath of relief that we had made it to the curb, a van pulled up and yet another kind Samaritan asked us where we were heading. We relayed the story, and before we knew it, Ian Mackenzie, a local shipwright had introduced himself and offered to help us get to the bank on time, with a lift. The kind couple of Samaritans were waved us goodbye as Ian lifted Thomas into the front seat, while I crawled into the back part of the working van. At the bank, with Ian parking briefly in the loading zone, Thomas and I made our way into the bank. I thanked Ian very much for his kindness and said we'd be fine getting home with the bus just across the street. 

As we entered, the bank staff went out of their way to assist Thomas to get to the teller and even suggested we slide him there on a chair, but he was determined to get to that teller his way. Finally, he got to sit down. Thomas's business here consisted of withdrawing forty dollars from his account. Business accomplished, and more rested, we made our way to the door with many offers of assistance. To our surprise Ian was waiting, parked right in front and very close to the curb. By this time, Ian was calling Thomas "buddy' and we were off to his home. As we arrived there safely and mostly sound, I couldn't help reviewing the last few hours and thinking what a great day it had been, from one kindness to the next and the next. Yes, Victoria is a great place to live and some of the best good Samaritans live in James Bay. A big thank you to all of them.