Reader report: Public thanks for Good Samaritans

Just out of the WSB inbox, from Amy:

Can you help me shout out to some helpful bystanders who came to my aid yesterday? My toddler, newborn and I were leaving Swedish Physicians (on California Ave & Hinds) and getting off the elevator to the parking garage when my son’s hand got trapped in the elevator door as it opened. I tried to pull it out to no avail and was screaming for help when several people arrived. One was a man holding a small child; he put the child down and managed to extricate my son’s hand. Another woman helped me push my infant’s stroller while I got my hysterical son back up to the doctor. In all the commotion I never thanked either one of them. Fortunately his hand is merely bruised, but it was very traumatic for him and for me and I really appreciate the kindness of strangers to get through a scary experience. Thank you, fellow West Seattlites!

Todd February 6, 2008 (2:12 pm)

My family uses this clinic so I appreciate the heads up on the elevator. I am glad the child is ok. I hope the elevator has been fixed and is safe.
It is really nice to read stories about good samaritans. We should remember – we are all neighbors here so please treat each other that way. I’ve have been surprised at some negative experiences with my so called friendly neighbors lately so I just thought I’d mention it.

WSB February 6, 2008 (2:23 pm)

Good point, Todd. We are determined to report the good as well as the bad, the beautiful as well as the ugly, as much of what goes on as we can. It’s all contingent on what we hear about, learn about, see, hear, read, so we are thankful to people who e-mail or call to tip us to what’s happening, like this item as well as like last night’s crime report … thanks to all for sharing.

m February 6, 2008 (2:31 pm)

I’m glad someone was there to help out and your son only had a bruised hand. Strangely enough, this happened to me when I was a toddler and most of the bones in my hand were crushed! All I remember was getting a treat afterwards for being good at the ER while they put a cast on, but my older brother remembers me peeing my pants in the elevator because I was hysterical. lol. This was in the late 70’s; looks like elevator technology (and my bladder control) has improved since then.