A. Abbott Locksmith
My problem wasn’t being locked out, but my door being so swollen that I could not get out or in again. I actually had to have my son come and get me, forcing the door open, and then fighting it open when we got back.
Yesterday two men came, took my door off the hinges, set it up in the foyer outside my place and worked on it for about an hour. They used a hammer and chisel, plus planed the door, plus new screws in the door hinges, until they got it the way they wanted. Then they hung it back up. They are coming tomorrow sometime to paint either the edge they planed or the whole door – I’m not sure which.
The wonderful thing – something I will never take for granted again – is that I can unlock the door, turn the knob, and the door opens! Really! And – when I step through the doorway, push the lock on the doorknob and pull gently on the knob, the door shuts! Just like that! Like a real door!
No putting my foot on the door frame and trying to pull it open or closed without bruising my fingers. No loud sounds as the door opens or closes. No texting for help.
And – And – My freedom to leave and enter my place has been restored!!!!! I can leave and return any time I want to. I can meet Brian at the elevator without him having to rescue me! I can go buy something or take my laundry, or take a walk now on my own volition!!!!! HOOOOOORAAAAAAAAY!
I met Khun Arm, the main maintenance person for the building, in the elevator later yesterday and thanked him profusely. I don’t speak Thai and he speaks very little English, but he knew how happy and grateful I was and left the elevator grinning🙏🏻 from ear to ear.
Next up is my windows that leak each time it rains – the latest time this morning. Khun Arm and a glass expert came this afternoon and measured my windows. It looks like they will replace all the glass and all the frames. We okayed things, but relied on his expertise on what works best in the building what is repairable, etc. I have no idea when this work will be done, but it looks like the “towel and bucket brigade” might be a thing of the past in the near future.
I am a delighted camper!!!!😃🙏🏻🥳
creativeartworksblog 
What an absolutely wonderful and heartwarming story! Thank you so much for sharing this. It’s a powerful reminder that it’s often the things we take for granted—like a door that simply opens and closes—that mean the most when they are restored.
Your joy is completely contagious! It’s not just about a repaired door; it’s about the restoration of your independence, your peace of mind, and the simple, profound freedom to come and go as you please. The image of you testing the door, almost in disbelief, is just priceless.
“I can unlock the door, turn the knob, and the door opens! Really!”
This line is pure poetry. It’s the sound of a problem that had become a constant, frustrating background noise in your life finally falling silent.
It’s also so lovely to read about the human connection in this—the shared, grinning happiness between you and Khun Arm in the elevator, transcending the language barrier. That’s a special moment.
And the fantastic news keeps coming with the windows! To go from the “towel and bucket brigade” to having all new frames and glass is a life-changing upgrade. It sounds like you are being wonderfully cared for.
LikeLike
Thank you for your wonderful comment, Srikanth. I’m delighted you liked the post and could feel my joy. I AM truly well cared for by our wonderful son, Brian. I’m lucky beyond words that we moved to Thailand to be with him. I am grateful for him every day. Thank you for writing.
LikeLike
Your joy is almost palpable, indeed! So very happy for you. (Donna)
LikeLike
Thank you, Donna. I will never take a door opening and closing for granted again! I am free🥳🎉
LikeLike
I’m so glad that got fixed!! I was kind of worried about you not being able to get out in case of an emergency!
LikeLike
Me, too! Now I can go in and come back in again just like a regular person. It’s a miracle! They will come to paint the door today, and next week will install new windows and frames!
LikeLiked by 1 person