lifelines, and so much more
And how inordinately blessed are we who have doormen — and now, increasingly, door-women — within our apartment house entryways. And how concerned are we for those whose doors do not have these lifelines. “And yes, life extenders, besides being daily blessings,” said one elder tenant unable to attend the lobby party to celebrate Martin Griffin’s 30th anniversary on the job. But she posted a handmade sign there which read: “Heartfelt thanks to dear Martin!”
Of course, door-people’s first and foremost duty is to keep intruders from the building, ensure safety. Now doormen are all too aware of unsafe traffic when out there hailing cabs, for example — and so we urge them, “Hail from the sidewalk, not from the street!” Indeed, the building workers’ union should make this a demand.
And door-people’s commutes are often lengthy and make them most aware of unsafe traffic, mostly people-made, but also nature-made. Like the people who deliver mail, they struggle through wind, ice and snow ... and hey, the union should also demand appropriate quarters for times when it’s too risky to travel home. And, oh yes, demand carpeted lobbies to reduce door-people’s physical stress.
And this is not the way this column intended to go — and yet don’t we honor door people best by ensuring their safety and comfort, since that’s what they do for us? But just one more “what we need to do for them,” door-people most need tenants with good natures with a ready smile and who besides saying “good morning” and “good evening” also have a few encouraging words. And so set a good example for the kids.
Surely door-people make the building more of community, especially, but not only, for the elder or those are too often alone. But everyone benefits from doormen’s and women’s thoughtful daily greetings where they live. Martin also makes you laugh with good-natured asides.
And here’s a story that needs telling — an elder Upper East Side elder man died leaving his co-op apartment to a doorman who he said “was like a son to me.” His considerable stock holdings were left to the rest of the building staff. But his nephew, who reportedly hadn’t visited for a year, is suing to overturn the handwritten un-notarized will. Other tenants say these were definitely his wishes, that his mind was sound.
Staff members are concerned when misfortune occurs, maybe a break-up, or a lost job (not all co-op/condo tenants are affluent). Longtime building staff members see and are affected when people grow old and infirm and, eventually, depart this life. And for that now-elder tenant who said Martin was a life-extender, it’s when little things go wrong in the apartment, like a sudden leak, Martin will say, “don’t worry the super is on his way.” Door-people are often also peacemakers when disagreements arise among tenants. Above all, they reduce the stress of going it alone!
And so much more — so much more. And Martin and the many like him, can not be thanked enough, let alone, emulated. Heartfelt thanks, dear Martin!
dewingbetter@aol.com