Observant Mail Carrier Helps Rescues Elderly Customer
March 23, 2021 by Cathy Stack
Chicago, IN - USPS mail carrier, Shonda Lemon has a special bond with the residents on her route, especially the elderly who she says are “dear to her heart.” She enjoys chatting with her customers and regularly looks out for their welfare. One day she noticed that Helen, an 89-year-old woman who she normally exchanges pleasant daily greetings with was not picking up her mail as usual. Shonda grew concerned so she knocked on Helen’s door and received no response. She had a dreaded feeling that something was horribly wrong. She took immediate action and dialed 911.
Shonda learned from her friendly conversations with Helen that the woman lived alone and had recently fallen. To make the mail easier for Helen to grip, the mail carrier had a thoughtful habit of tightly wrapping the bundle with rubber bands. Helen in turn randomly taped candy to her outgoing mail to leave for her favorite mail carrier as a token of her appreciation. It was that caring bond that motivated Shonda to go the extra mile and check in her customer.
Shonda knew it was unlikely that Helen would be traveling so when she didn’t respond to her knock, alarm bells went off. She listened to her instincts and immediately called authorities to conduct an urgent welfare check for Helen. Help arrived within minutes.
Upon entry to Helen’s home, authorities found her lying helplessly on the living room floor. The elderly woman had fallen several days prior and was unable to move due to the injuries she sustained. She had laid there for days suffering without any food or water. It was unlikely in Helen’s condition that she would have survived much longer had she not been rescued.
Helen was immediately rushed to the hospital. She was weak from dehydration and malnutrition but was miraculously still alive.
“My heart trembled, it just made me cry,” described Shonda of the enormous relief she felt upon hearing the incredible news that Helen was alive. Helen remained in the hospital recovering for a week and was then sent to a rehab facility to regain mobility.
Helen’s niece, Mary Mason said she was grateful Shonda was there at the right time to save her aunt’s life. Mary felt compelled to thank Shonda in person. The two women had the opportunity to meet and exchange a warm embrace on a cold winter day. “You’re an angel,” Mary told Shonda.
The community hails Shanda as a hero, but she laughs off the praise. “I don’t look at myself as a hero,” Shonda said humbly. “I just look at myself as one of God’s children looking after his other kids. That was my blessing for the day, that she was OK,” she added.
Passiton praises Shonda for her caring nature and quick-thinking action which helped to save a woman’s life. Being observant of community members’ habits provided her with the instinct to know when something was dreadfully wrong. She went above and beyond the call of duty. Her action is a great example of the value of community. Please help us honor Shonda by sharing her heartwarming story of the miracles that can occur when we all look out for one another.
Please tell us about your everyday Hero. The Heroes among us are ordinary people whose actions leave a lasting and positive impact in their communities and demonstrate the potential in all of us. Their heroic acts uphold our shared values. Help honor these individuals by creating a billboard and sharing their story at: http://www.passiton.com/your-billboards/create
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What a lovely story of Shondra, Helen and Helen's niece, Mary. There is so much good in so many people in the U.S. and other parts of the world. We can hear a still small voice within generated by the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit to become "Good Samaritans," to be alerted when we feel something is wrong. I am 76 years old and can remember from my youth that I have always felt how special the elderly were. They generated such stories, baked good things to eat and were appreciative. I still help out the elderly and feel a bond with them. I think today's youth would become more caring if they were able to have association with the elderly. As we read daily about the war in Ukraine, it is heartbreaking and we see that Poland and other countries have opened their gates to welcome those who escaped from their homeland. Each day we awake, it is a "blessing." This was a good story, I am glad I received it.
I love when someone listens to their heart and follows. God Bless you Shonda, you are a pure joy to the hope that gives us all a ray of sunshine. Thank you for being the YOU that you are.
Kudos to Shonda and an heartfelt get well to Helen. Shonda is a shining example of what the USPS means to so many of us. I remember when the mail was delivered,on foot, no less, twice a day. We loved our “Mr. Post Man” , looking forward to seeing him each day. I remember my mom giving him something cold to drink on hot summer days. He couldn’t stay long to chat, but he felt like part of the family. It’s good to know that Shonda is out there every day, going above and beyond.
It is so good and refreshing to hear of Shonda and people like her in the world that make all the difference in our world. Thank you Shonda for being such a kind caring person!
Shonda, you are a blessing to all of us. God Bless your faithfulness and for sharing with us the sincerity of love. I can add; Make Gratitude Your Attitude. :)
