A tale of two housekeepers, restoration of faith in humanity version... [View all]

[Hekate]

Note: this is a class of worker with no safety net, for a variety of reasons.

Housekeeper #1 -- Cita, who's worked for me for almost 3 years. I texted her about 2 months ago that due to our age and doctor's recommendation my husband and I weren't going to be having anyone in the house, but that I would send her some money. (The doctor in question was Dr. Fauci) I told no one, because why would I?

A week or so later I saw a post on the Neighborhood site from someone a street or so away who had obviously given the situation some thought -- he said he realized he could afford to keep paying his housekeeper for the duration, so he was going to do so. That provoked several similar responses.

I was really pleased to hear it. It is the right thing to do, if you can, and in this neighborhood there are few who cannot.

Housekeeper #2 -- Juan and his wife. My old friend friend Leona lives in subsidized senior housing. Her income is very restricted, but on occasion when she can afford it she will hire someone to "do" for her, and that's how she got to know the Juans. Apparently a few of her neighbors do the same and they also know this couple.

Leona recently called Mrs Juan up (she being the one who speaks English) and asked if she could use some canned goods. Oh yes, yes, thank you, can I send my husband over right now?

Leona sprang into action and called on as many of her immediate neighbors as she could. By the time he got there there were two or three grocery bags filled so full he could scarcely carry them.

And this is a neighborhood where -- it's not so easy to share, but they did. Restoration of faith in humanity accomplished.