I called for medical advice anyway.

After he was examined, we learned that nothing was broken, but the clinician recommended changes at home and a review of his balance and medications.

Clarence objected to every suggestion until I mentioned the children.

Then he listened.

“I can’t read with them if I’m spending my mornings falling off porches,” he admitted.

A carpenter who volunteered with the association offered to install a second handrail.

Clarence insisted on paying what he could.