It was a slippery, slidy day on the streets, and everyone’s eyes were focused on their own feet. Mine, too. But as I was scanning the slush and puddles at the corner, trying to pick the best route, I heard a plaintive little cry: “Help! Will somebody please help me?”
And there she was, trying to make her way from the street to the sidewalk: she was in no danger, just sort of stuck. An older woman, bright yellow mittens sticking straight out, hoping for a hand. A couple of people slowed, or ignored her altogether — probably they pictured her bringing them both down.
I figured what the hell — I’m still a little too young to break a hip, but she wasn’t. So I tossed my bag down into the snow, reached across to this trembling little lady, and pulled her ashore. It was next to nothing on my part, but you should have seen the relief on her face.
Reach out.
So funny that you write about this. I’m always grabbing on to somebody in thIs snowy weather…..tall, big and gangly is popular when older folks are stuck in the snow and on those weird winter piles at the back doors of the buses…..
I happen to know you’re handsome, too. Who wouldn’t hold onto you?
i helped an older woman across the street during the last snow storm, but she wasn’t on her own. the woman who was with her was leading the older woman by the hand but not really paying attention to the fact that she couldn’t keep up through the slush at the intersection, and was pretty much pulling her through. i came up to actually help steady her as she crossed. they did both thank me with a “happy new year.”
Double duty! Oy!
OK, you just made me cry at my desk. Bless you.
Liz, I take that as a huge compliment. Thank you.
I love that she still believed enough to ask! I think you were seeing what happens when people have a lifetime of memorable experiences of good deeds. Imagine a world like that, where anytime someone was in need there would be a hand supporting them…wonderful.
Now that’s a plan, Lydia!
Another great post. That is more than a good deed (maybe an uber good deed)…it’s the right thing to do!!! How can people just walk by?
Truly, I think they thought the end game was going to be Two in the Slush!
Doesn’t get any more heartwarming that this. Thanks, Erin, for that booster shot of inspiration on a wintry day.
And thanks for being such a great ONE GOOD DEED supporter, Barbara.