One of the best actors of all time, late Robin Williams, once said, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” Now imagine what would have happened if we all lived by these wise words. Here is the answer. The world would be a better place and no person will ever experience the pain of being treated with disrespect.
The following story was shared by a man who witnessed one of the saddest sights ever, that of a helpless and vulnerable elderly lady who was in need of a helping hand but none of the passersby was willing to give it to her.
It reminds us that no matter how tiny the good deeds we do for others may seem to us, they can mean the world to someone. It goes like this:
While living in Chicago, I was walking down 63rd St. It was a cold, blustery day. On the opposite side of the street, I noticed a little old lady struggling with two large bags of groceries. All of a sudden, she slipped and fell on a patch of ice.
No one seemed to notice, didn’t care, or just simply ignored the lady in her plight. In fact, they either stepped over her, or went around her. No pone stopped to ask if she was hurt or tried to help her. I watched for a minute or two to see what would happen. Nobody offered any assistance at all!
Even though I knew I was going to be late for work, I ran across the street to see if I could help her. She was crying and had a large cut on her leg. I helped her up, gathered her spilled groceries, and walked her home. She only lived about a block or two away. But those blocks in the city are long! They don’t call them city blocks for nothing! Anyway, when we arrived at her house, she invited me in for coffee. I didn’t have the heart to say no because she looked so lonely. I fixed up her leg, and then we had coffee. She told me some remarkable stories and shared pictures. Thus began a warm and lasting friendship.
I went to visit with her once a week after that. She looked forward to my weekly visits, and always had coffee and sweets, as she called them. We were good friends for several years until she passed away. She was 78. I miss you Hannah.
RIP. Sleep with the angels.