He Defrosted a Chicken: A Good Deed

The sirens and red lights of the ambulance cut a swatch through twinkling Christmas decorations that lingered along the streets at midnight. It was as if the silent snow was awash with clashing sounds and sights that just didn't belong. Pulling up to a gray bi-level home that stood out amid its sleepy neighbors, the medics found the front door was ajar and curtains pulled back in expectation.

Across the street a man heard the commotion, looked out his window, and padded down to his kitchen. He fumbled in the freezer, found a chicken, and put it in the sink to defrost. His wife was still asleep so he quietly slid warm pants and a sweater over his pajamas. He then walked across the street and watched as men carried a woman on a gurney down the steps.

An IV had been started and the medics were checking vitals and covering the patient with blankets. Her husband shivered in the cold night air while answering a barrage of questions thrown his way from both medics and the police who had followed the ambulance.

At long last it was decided which hospital would accept me (the patient) during one of the worst flu epidemics in fifty years. Then my husband John kissed me and watched as the doors clanged shut and noisy cars squealed into the night. As the red lights faded into the darkness, my husband fell into the arms of Steve, our young neighbor, and wept as he'd never wept before. "It will be all right, it will be all right" the young man whispered as he patted John's back. Patiently Steve waited until John regained his composure. "I guess I'd better get dressed and follow them." John murmured.

"Only if you will be okay," a worried Steve responded.

Shaking his head back and forth, John murmured, "I'll be well is she is well. She is so very sick this time." John stood back searching his young friend's face for reassurance. The neighbors clumsily broke away, both turning toward their front door. Steve called over his shoulder: "I'll call you tomorrow, and John, by the way, hope you like chicken?" The men separated and snow began to drip into the footprints left by men and vans.

This is a true story of a Christmas night, of my husband John and our precious neighbor Steve. One man is a Christian and one is a Jew. Religion never crossed anyone's mind that frigid night. What is most notable is the love between two men and the significance of the words spoken and unspoken.

Before Steve knew what the problem was, he was looking after John's well being. (He defrosted a chicken). How many of our brothers follow the precepts of Yahweh that night by helping his brother in one way or another.

How many people will call out, "If you need anything, give me a call." They feel good about themselves because they had made an effort. Steve, on the other hand, "Defrosted a chicken." He performed a Mitzvah as he opened the door to the freezer that night. As he returned to bed, he reset the alarm clock, and he asked for Yahweh's blessing. He mused to himself; perhaps he would use the crock pot and the favorite recipe the children loved.

When our days on earth are over and names are written in the Book of Life, I know one name that will be written, but not in any color, it must be in gold, because that is the color of Steve's heart. Thank you Steve, for being our neighbor and our friend.

Eight days later I was discharged from the hospital. I returned home to my family and my adopted son Steve and his wife. (We adopted Sue also.)

My son Michael said I should also thank you for being a "Mensch" and there is also the word I think I know: Moseltov!!

So, Moseltov Steve and dear Sue. We love you, John and Peggy