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Very often when you live in a city, acts of public kindness go unnoticed because there are so many things going on around you, that you don't often see them. However, I've encountered many acts of kindness over the years - others being kind to me and me being kind to others.

Also, city policemen often get a bad rap for being smart-asses and power hungry by throwing their law enforcement weight around. But I have to say in all honestly, I've lived in both Philadelphia and New York, and every encounter I've ever had with a policeman or policewoman has been a very positive experience. They have always been approachable, friendly and extremely helpful. 

Back on the 4th of July weekend, I went walking around the city with my camera in hand; taking pictures of the holiday festivities. It was later in the day that I spotted an elderly woman on the corner of Broad and Chestnut Streets, who was obviously having a hard time getting across the street and needed help. City traffic lights change extremely fast. And this is done so that they can move traffic (going both ways) much faster and with minimal back up. Yet, it's very challenging for those elderly pedestrians who have physical challenges. And I know it must be very frustrating and upsetting for them, realizing they're holding up traffic. But they can't help it because they simply cannot walk any faster. And I sure it's also very frightening for them.

Yet, no sooner had I noticed the elderly woman, I was able to capture a very touching moment (which incidentally made my heart swell), in which two Philadelphia policemen came to her rescue and patiently, sweetly, and ever-so gently, escorted her across the street while holding off traffic until she made it to the other side safely.

Here, see it for yourself...


Can't you just feel the beautiful tenderness in these photographs? 


This moment also touched me because of my strong belief in having compassion, respect, and honor for our elders. Much like the Japanese do.


Have a super week, y'all!
X

47 comments:

  1. Oh how wonderful. I agree with you, those photos touch the soul.


    Police officers in the UK are just like those who helped the old lady. In fact they're like it most of the time. It's only when people get stroppy that they show their authority. Unfortunately too many with a bad attitude make officers respond accordingly and this tends to give them a bad name. I always found them helpful and courteous, but then I worked with them so I'm biased.


    Great post, Ron. Happy Monday.

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  2. Wow! That is a fabulous photo! Honestly, you should enter it into a contest! I'm glad the police there are so generous. My husband has worked downtown for 27 years and he can't get over how rude the city police are to everyone. Basically, they would have ticketed that woman for holding up traffic. No exaggeration!

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  3. " My husband has worked downtown for 27 years and he can't get over how rude the city police are to everyone. Basically, they would have ticketed that woman for holding up traffic. No exaggeration!"


    *my mouth dropped open*


    OMG, you're kidding me!?!? Now that is RUDE.


    The only policemen with an attitude that I've ever encountered were Florida police officers; especially the highway patrol. Talk about rude. They have the attitude that they will find something to get you for. And they're very aggressive.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a terrific week!
    X

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  4. Oh Ron, those photographs are so touching! I agree with Bijoux, you should enter them in a contest.


    Having lived in NY and Philly as well, I also have to say that the police officers (men and women) are very down to earth and friendly. Sure, you may find one or two with an attitude problem occasionally, but that's to be expected with anything.


    Love the quote, Ron!

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  5. Oh my god Ron, these photographs actually made me get all teary eyed. How touching! You know, will all the violence and negative things that seem to be going on in the world today, a moment like the one you captured makes you see that there is still much love and kindness in world as well.


    Thank you sharing this moment, Ron. It really touched my heart.


    Have a wonderful week x

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  6. Hello there Elaine!

    I was so glad I had my camera with me that day and was able to capture these photographs. I was very lucky to have gotten them because I was in the perfect spot on the opposite side of the street, with nothing blocking my view.

    "Sure, you may find one or two with an attitude problem occasionally, but that's to be expected with anything."

    Yes, exactly.

    I found that quote online last night, right before I published this post and thought it was ideal because it said everything I feel about honoring our elders.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a great week and stay cool. Can you believe how humid and hot it's been lately?

    X

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  7. Hola Denise!

    "You know, will all the violence and negative things that seem to be going on in the world today, a moment like the one you captured makes you see that there is still much love and kindness in world as well."



    It's ironic you said that because I thought the same thing. And I think that's what additionally moved me about that moment - it was a reminder to me that there is still kindness in the world.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a fantastic week!

    X

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  8. Hey, Ron, beautiful post, beautiful photos, and a beautiful sentiment!


    I worry about the elderly folks in my family constantly because the world moves very fast for them and people can be so goddamn impatient. It seems that if you're not young, you're in the way.


    I applaud those two officers for their kindness and I'm so glad that someone was like you was one the scene to appreciate and photograph this touching moment. I was a police reporter in the Poconos for 5 years and the cops always did the right thing by me.


    Nice job, buddy! Keep up the great work!

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  9. Hey there Rob!

    "It seems that if you're not young, you're in the way."

    Yes, exactly. And you're right, people can be impatient with them.

    One of the many things I loved and admired about the Japanese when I lived there, was that they had such respect for their elderly. To them, their elders are held in high regard and honor because with age, comes wisdom.

    "I applaud those two officers for their kindness..."

    And the way in which they so patiently and gently walked her across the street was so sweet and touching.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a super week!

    X

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  10. Ron, I am so glad you were able to capture this with your camera and then share it with us. What a precious moment! And it's really quite touchingly sobering because it is reminder to us that yes, human kindness still exists!


    Beautiful post, dude!

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  11. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comTuesday, July 21, 2015

    Oh, what sweet sweet shots!

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  12. What a sweet story, Ron -- thank you for sharing it! I'm right there with you, my friend. The way we treat the least among us tells a LOT about us. If we can't be kind, gentle, and compassionate to the frail, disabled, tiny tots, senior citizens, and animals, what kind of people are we??

    You've touched on a lovely aspect of city life. Having never really LIVED in a huge city, I haven't seen first-hand that people can be so kind (and our impression, of course, is the opposite, that they're mostly indifferent). Bless you for shooting holes in that myth!

    Have a super rest of your week!

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  13. They don't call it "the city of brotherly love" for nothin'! She was probably on her way to get a delicious Philly cheesesteak. Can't blame the old girl one bit.



    I appreciate our men and women in blue, as well, and always stick up for police officers.

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  14. Thank you, Ron, for sharing. Sometimes we need to witness things like this to restore our faith in humanity. I always believe there are way more good people than there are bad.

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  15. Yes, wonderful indeed, I agree with Val. This post REALLY touched my heart. So often, police are lumped together as BAD guys, when one of their ranks falls short of the mark. They are human too, I cringe to think of the things they witness from day to day, no wonder some of them DO Lose their humanity and integrity but I like to think thats the minority. The police ive known over the years have all seemed to be good people, trying to do the best they can.

    This also brought a lovely memory to mind. I had called the police when I noted some kids setting a mattress on fire in the back lane. The fire fizzled out before the arrived but in the meantime my beloved PrincePorkie aka Theo, a gorgeous, deaf white cat I had years ago, had done a runner down the same back lane. I was frantic that he would get hurt, as he was basically a house cat and not usually roaming free. When the police arrived one of the officers noting my distress ,took off running to find the Prince, without me even asking for help. He soon brought Porkie back safe and sound, tucked gently in his arms, white fur coating his spotless black uniform. I was so touched by this at the time. Thanks for also bringing this personal good memory of an act of kindness also with the police, tomind.

    Hope you have a super weekend Ron and again, thanks for this lovely, feel good post, just wonderful!😁😁

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  16. Hiya Matt!

    Me too! I was so happy that I was there at the exact moment when this happened and that I was happen to capture it with my camera. I took about four photographs, but these two came out best.

    "And it's really quite touchingly sobering because it is a reminder to us that yes, human kindness still exists!"



    Amen!


    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, buddy. Have a most excellent week!
    X

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  17. Thank you, Fiona :) I'm glad that I was there and had my camera with me!


    Have a super week, my friend. And thanks so much for stopping by!
    X

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  18. "Sometimes we need to witness things like this to restore our faith in humanity. "

    Yes, you are absolutely right, Suzi! And mine was definitely restored :)

    " I always believe there are way more good people than there are bad."



    I believe that too.


    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantastic week!
    X

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  19. " She was probably on her way to get a delicious Philly cheesesteak. Can't blame the old girl one bit."

    Bwhahahahhaha! Mark, I rolled on the floor laughing when I read that. HILARIOUS! And do you know what? I bet you're right too, because I did hear her mumble something about "Campo's Deli!"

    "I appreciate our men and women in blue, as well, and always stick up for police officers."



    Way to go, Mark!!!!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a faaaaaabulous week!
    X to you and Tara

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  20. Helloooooooo there Geraldine!

    "They are human too, I cringe to think of the things they witness from day to day, no wonder some of them DO lose their humanity and integrity but I like to think thats the minority."

    Yes! And I see more pedestrians being nasty and mouthing off to policemen, than policemen to pedestrians. People can be very nasty to police.

    "When the police arrived one of the officers noting my distress ,took off running to find the Prince, without me even asking for help. He soon brought Porkie back safe and sound, tucked gently in his arms, white fur coating his spotless black uniform. I was so touched by this at the time."



    *tears in my eyes*


    OMG...that was so touching to read! How utterly sweet of that police officer!


    Thanks a bunch for stopping and sharing that story because you've add SO MUCH to this post topic! Thank you, my friend!


    Have a great week and weekend!


    X

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  21. Helloooooo there Debbie!

    "The way we treat the least among us tells a LOT about us. If we can't be kind, gentle, and compassionate to the frail, disabled, tiny tots, senior citizens, and animals, what kind of people are we??"

    Yes, yes, yes to ALL of that! In fact, I get very defensive whenever I see someone being unkind to someone who's helpless.

    "Having never really LIVED in a huge city, I haven't seen first-hand that people can be so kind (and our impression, of course, is the opposite, that they're mostly indifferent). Bless you for shooting holes in that myth!"

    What I really like about city people is that they may not necessarily look overly friendly on the surface because they're busy walking and getting to where they need be. However, I find most of them very kind and helpful whenever they see someone in need. City people just look rough on the surface, however their hearts are very soft.



    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantastic week!


    X

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  22. Ron, I've been on a little vacation (got back last night) so please pardon my late response. What a touching story and photographs! I think it's amazing that you were there at that precise moment and captured it with your camera.


    Two things: I think cops get an undeserved generalization because of how the media presents them. I have a very soft spot in my heart for our elderly. As you know, I was very close to my grandmother. She and I would often have deep discussions about things in life and she'd always give me the best advice. Our elderly should be respected and honored because they've lived; therefore their life experience and wisdom is of great value to those of us coming up. And We all should treat our elders much like the Japanese!


    Beautiful quote, Ron!

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  23. Hey ho Robert!

    No worries, buddy. Hope you had a fabuloso time on your vacation. Welcome back!

    Thank you :) I feel fortunate to have been there with my camera to capture this.

    "I think cops get an undeserved generalization because of how the media presents them."

    Yes! The media seems to only focus on negative stuff and then magnifies it out of proportion.

    "Our elderly should be respected and honored because they've lived; therefore their life experience and wisdom is of great value to those of us coming up."



    Beautifully expressed and I couldn't agree with you more!And that's one of the many things that deeply affected me when I was living in Japan - they hold their elders in such high regard!


    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have a terrific week!

    X

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  24. This is very heartwarming. It's too bad you are not on social media. This would make for a wonderful post. It's discouraging to see/hear about all the criticisms of law enforcement these days. Granted, i'm sure some use their position as an excuse for bad behavior and corruption, but I'm equally sure the majority are not what has been represented in the media lately. Law enforcement is a difficult and challenging occupation that sometimes required split decisions on a second's notice. The other heartwarming part is your view of the elderly. They have fantastic stories to tell if we'd just take the time to ask.

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  25. That is just so lovely. It does me goof to hear about that sort of thing, to remind me that there is more right with the world than there is wrong with it.Thanks for posting about it!

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  26. Hello there Lisa!

    " Granted, i'm sure some use their position as an excuse for bad behavior and corruption, but I'm equally sure the majority are not what has been represented in the media lately. Law enforcement is a difficult and challenging occupation that sometimes required split decisions on a second's notice."

    Yes, I totally agree with you. Law enforcement cannot be an easy job, however, I do believe that most people (men AND women) go into it because they sincerely wish to help others.

    "They have fantastic stories to tell if we'd just take the time to ask."

    AMEN! One of my favorite things to do is to have discussions with the elderly because I learn so much!

    Thanks so much for stopping, my friend. Have a wonderful rest of your week and weekend!

    X

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  27. "to remind me that there is more right with the world than there is wrong with it."


    Yes, and I felt the same thing when I witnessed this moment. There is more good in world than we sometimes believe.


    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantastic weekend!


    X

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  28. What a heartwarming moment, Ron! And that you captured with your camera makes it even more special and touching. What sweet photographs!


    And I'm in complete agreement about treating our elders with compassion and respect. Most of us are all going to be in that same place someday, and hopefully others will be compassionate and kind to us.


    What a great quote!

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  29. Greetings Suzanne!

    I was elated that I was able to capture this moment with my camera. And I was very lucky that no cars were driving by and blocking my view because I was on the opposite side of the street.

    "Most of us are all going to be in that same place someday, and hopefully others will be compassionate and kind to us."



    Yes, you are soooooooooo right about that and thanks for bring up such an accurate point.


    I found the quote online and really liked it.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a super rest of your week!
    X

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  30. Ron, this moved me SO MUCH I shared it on Facebook and then sent it to some of my friends. What an AMAZING PICTURE... and an AMAZING MOMENT!!! This was such a bright spot in my week. I get the posts emailed at work but can't go to the site from there so I leave comments later. I am always excited to see there is a new post from you. And this one? Just amazing and so uplifting! There is so much bad in the world and you found SUCH GOOD. I am honestly surprised this didn't make headlines on the news. It is just that good!

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  31. Aw...Katherine, thank you so much for sharing it on Facebook and with some of your friends. You're a sweetheart! I feel so fortunate to have been there when this happened. I (we) sometimes get so tainted but what we see and hear on the news about all the negative stuff that goes on in the world, we forget that there is also much kindness in the world as well. And I think I needed to be reminded of that thorough this moment.

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my friend. Have a grrreat rest of you week!

    X

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  32. I absolutely agree with you Ron! Many of my relatives are policemen and so I have a respect for them in general. What a wonderful display of human kindness! Too often, they do get a bad rap. Sometimes, it is deserved...if they are too cocky or full of themselves, but for the most part, I have had good experiences with our men and women in uniform! Sorry I haven't been around much Ron, it is tough for me in the summer when we have people visiting and such...trying to do everything usually puts me into a panic state! Happy Weekend to you, my friend! Enjoy!! xo Jeanne and the girls

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  33. Ron, those are wonderful pictures. With the media constantly reporting on the bad, it is easy to forget the good. Because of the wicked minority the caring, honest majority gets lumped in the same group. This isn't just for law enforcement.


    Seeing your pictures is a reminder that there is an awful lot of good people in the world. Thank you for sharing this bright moment with us!

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  34. PS...Ron, Have you considered sharing this with a local newspaper/news site and/or the Philly police dept.??

    This touching post has come to my mind several times since I first read it.

    This is the kind of feel good story that should really be shared elsewhere, it's so well written too.

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  35. Hellooooo there Jeanne!

    "Too often, they do get a bad rap. Sometimes, it is deserved...if they are too cocky or full of themselves, but for the most part, I have had good experiences with our men and women in uniform!"



    Yes, and I know that some of them can be full of themselves and cocky (I've met several of those while living Florida), however the police officers (men and women) I've encountered here and in NYC have all been really great.


    No apologies needed, my friend. I know you're very busy right now and understand. In fact, with my new job and having a few out-of-town visitors, I too have been crazy busy and not blogging as much.


    Have a faaaaaaaabulous weekend!


    X to you and the girlz

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  36. " Because of the wicked minority the caring, honest majority gets lumped in the same group. This isn't just for law enforcement."

    You are soooooooo right about that, it isn't just for law enforcement. It's for any minority because they seem to lump them into the same group.

    "Seeing your pictures is a reminder that there is an awful lot of good people in the world."



    I was so touched and happy that I was able to capture this moment that day. Yes, there are a lot of good people in the world!


    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, sis! Have a terrific weekend!
    X

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  37. Hello again Geraldine!


    No, I haven't. But several of my other readers mentioned the same thing, so perhaps I should share this with the local newspaper and/or the Philly police department. Great idea, and thanks for mentioning it!


    Thanks so much for stopping back and for your sweet words, my friend!


    Have a faaaaaaabulous weekend!
    X

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  38. Ron, I agree with Geraldine. I think you should consider sharing this with your local paper and city police department. I'm sure they would find it very print worthy!

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  39. Thank you, Suzanne :) I'm seriously considering doing that, now that several people have mentioned it. And if I do, I'll be sure to let you know what happens.

    X

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  40. Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

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  41. :)


    Thank so much for stopping by, girl. Have a great rest of your weekend!
    X

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  42. Hey there Petra!


    I think this was one of those moments in life that was presented to me as a reminder that with all the negative stuff we see and read about, there is still a lot of goodness and compassion in the world.


    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a super Sunday!


    X

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  43. OMG RON!


    that is literally the sweetest, I like teared up. I, like you, have never had a bad experience with police and i live in a rather crime ridden city. :)

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  44. "I, like you, have never had a bad experience with police and i live in a rather crime ridden city. :)"


    That's so great to hear, Brit, because city police get a bad rap for being pompous assholes, which I've never (both in NYC and Philly) experienced. They've always been very approachable and very nice.


    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, girl!

    X

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  45. First off I need to say....can you tell I miss you?!?! I am going to old posts to make sure I get my Ron fix while you are away from blogging! Come back my friend!


    As for this post, it is amazing and I am so glad you shared it! With all the negativity in the news about Police Officers moments like this need to go viral. There are of course always bad seeds. But not just with Policemen. With EVERYTHING. But there are also amazing people who do amazing things. THOSE are the thing we should be talking about! Not all the negativity!


    Thanks for sharing my friend and I hope you are back to blogging soon!

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  46. Hellooooooooo there Shae!

    "I am going to old posts to make sure I get my Ron fix while you are away from blogging! Come back my friend!"

    Aw...thank you so much for your oh-so sweet and caring words. And yes, I will be coming back to blogging, but I've had a lot going on with work, so blogging has had to take a back seat this month. Also, I ended up get a very bad flu last week that knocked me out :(

    "With all the negativity in the news about Police Officers moments like this need to go viral. There are of course always bad seeds. But not just with Policemen. With EVERYTHING."

    I agree with you. That's why when I spotted this moment on the street, I just had to try and capture it because it made me realize that there are so many kind and caring people in this world.

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaaaabulous week!
    X

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