Everybody Hurts

We often don't realize that life is so hard for some people.

There's an elderly lady who sits outside on a stone seat, just behind my building. I pass that way most evenings, and some mornings, and she wishes me and has a small chat. She knew my grandmother, who stayed in the same area, so we have a bit to talk about.
Two nights ago, I passed that way at about 9pm, and there was a chilly breeze. And she was sitting there, all alone, with inadequate protection. I stopped to ask her why she was sitting out in the cold. The answer I got was something I'd never expected.

Apparently, she stays with her brother and his family. And is not wanted at all, but they can't throw her out because "neighbours would talk". She's got a small room- more like a jail cell- on the top floor (and she can't hardly climb stairs). No windows. She's been told that she can only be present in the house for meals, and to sleep.
So she gets out of that house at 8:30am and stays out till 1pm. Leaves again at 4pm, and stays out till 9pm. Come rain, sun, or even snow I'd imagine.

And she can't do a thing about it.
I wish I could, but I don't think there's a thing I could do either.

It makes you feel truly grateful for all that life has given you. There are people much worse off than you and me. And still I grumble and complain...

When the day is long and the night, the night is yours alone,
When you’re sure you’ve had enough of this life, well hang on
Don’t let yourself go, everybody cries and everybody hurts sometimes
Everybody Hurts- REM