The Kindness of Strangers
18 Jan 2013
Something happened to me today. I was out running errands near our local community college, and I stopped at a red light. From four of five cars back, I saw something horrible. An older man with a cane was on the ground in the middle of the crosswalk of a very busy street. I didn’t see him fall, so I don’t know exactly what happened, but thankfully no one had hit him–he had fallen on his own. Before I could even take it in, four or five college students rushed out to him to help him up. People stopped their cars and jumped out to help him. Two students acted as crutches for him to carry him safely across the street and help him to sit down. Thankfully, there was no blood or sign of serious injury. Those students leaned down to talk to him and make sure he was all right.
I was in tears. To see such beauty unfold right in front of me. For a long time I used to have this really powerful and equally irrational fear that something bad would happen to me when I was out by myself somewhere, and no one would help me. Thankfully, I don’t feel that way anymore, and today reminded me of that, so powerfully. People are good. People are kind. We all owe so much to the kindness of strangers. And we can all be that kind stranger ourselves.
Jan 18, 2013 @ 06:35:42
What a beautiful and moving essay on a brief but wonderful experience. Instinctively, I believe we all know what to do when an opportunity is before us. Sadly, all to often we pause long enough for our cautious mind to interrupt our action with what ifs, and we end up doing nothing. May we all be inspired to action by what you saw and shared today.
Jan 21, 2013 @ 21:20:36
Thank you! I couldn’t agree more. It’s so beautiful when these things happen without the slightest pause for thought, and I hope the people who helped were as touched by a human connection as the man they carried.
Jan 18, 2013 @ 07:46:08
I am touched to hear that help poured out from many different people to help that man. The connection that is created between people in times of need seems especially powerful to me. Thank you for sharing that experience!
Jan 21, 2013 @ 21:21:31
Thank you so much! It was very moving indeed. I love these little reminders that we are all human, we are all linked, and we are all here for each other.
Jan 18, 2013 @ 09:48:24
We all benefit when even one of us reached out to help someone in need. I know witnessing this scene held a special significance for you. It never hurts to have a powerful reminder of the goodness of human nature. A lovely post.
Jan 21, 2013 @ 21:21:56
Thank you! I am also all too happy to be reminded of the goodness of human nature.
Jan 18, 2013 @ 14:30:53
Although we have our share of self-centered “people”, I’m not surprised if this was the response in Pasadena.
Jan 21, 2013 @ 21:27:30
I am glad you feel that way! I am grateful to live in a place where this is more the rule than the exception.
Jan 20, 2013 @ 16:52:40
It is so comforting to know that there is still some goodness left in the world. Thank you for sharing this!
Jan 21, 2013 @ 21:28:26
I couldn’t agree more! Love you!
Jan 21, 2013 @ 17:53:32
That’s great. Big or small we can all have a positive effect on someone 🙂
Jan 21, 2013 @ 21:34:56
Thank you! I totally agree 🙂
Jan 21, 2013 @ 19:50:52
Happy Monday 🙂 I am so impressed with your writing! It definitely lifted my heart today. Thank you so much for sharing!
Jan 21, 2013 @ 21:36:00
Thank you so much! That is so sweet of you to say, and I look forward to the rest of your Happy series! 😉
Jan 26, 2013 @ 11:05:55
Very uplifting as usual… I just love your outlook!
And isn’t it wonderfully miraculous to overcome our fears and realize that we’re going to be OK?
Instead of bad fortune with no one to help, there is so much beauty and love in the world waiting around the corner. I’m glad you got a glimpse of that today — and shared it! Thank you.
Jan 28, 2013 @ 21:30:14
Thank you so much! It was a beautiful thing to behold–to go from fear and horror to the kindness of the human heart in just an instant. It’s the kind of thing that keeps you going on the rough days, or on any day, really!