So this morning as I arrived on campus I had something really moving happen to me. It was a really compelling event; kind of changed my whole attitude for the rest of the day. Heck it moved me so much I'm now writing about it!
I was waiting with other people to cross the road over to Palomar (an immense amount of people) and when the little white man began blinking on the traffic light, there we went. Like a herd of cattle with opposable thumbs and a more perverted mind. There was this older woman with a disability walking next to sort of in front of me. Everything was fine and dandy until she tripped over the step on the sidewalk and fell face forward on the concrete. For a couple seconds I was sort of in shock and didn't know what to do but I figured standing there like a dumbass was NOT one of the options. So I bent down, grabbed her by the arm and attempted to lift her up, but she was too heavy. I looked up and people would just slow down a bit, glance and keep walking. I wasn't until moments later a young man with a military colored beanie, white T-shirt and dark shades stopped and also attempted to help.
I took his books to free up his hands and he successfully got her back on her feet. He asked her if she was okay, retrieved his textbooks from me and went on his way. Another man also stopped and asked her if she was alright and if she needed any assistance getting anywhere... the woman with the neon green sweater smiled and said no thank you. You could tell she felt a bit embarrassed but never the less, grateful. Once he assured himself she was okay, he also went on his way.
Her sunglasses had been jerked out of place to reveal a black eye patch on her left eye; her short blonde hair with streaks of grey was a bit tousled but the gratitude that she transmitted with her single eye and unbreakable smile was the best form of acknowledgement I could ask for. I didn't feel comfortable leaving her side yet since there were still about four more steps to cross so I stayed nearby for a little while longer. Once we were crossing the parking lot I lost sight of her and headed over to my communications class.
I guess the point of this post is to first of all thank those two men who stopped for a bit and helped me with this woman. It really meant a lot to me and obviously more to her. It's great to know that there is still good people in the world. The way the others just walked on by really disgusted me, I mean life is no emergency; you need to stop and smell the roses. Don't be afraid to be the first to lend a hand to someone in need, and when you do don't wait for anything in return just their appreciation for your help should warm your heart and draw a smile on your face. It's scientifically proven: doing good deeds for others makes YOU feel good. So why not? It's a win- win situation. Life is beautiful. Everything in it. Don't let today's hectic way of living affect the way you see it!
I leave you guys with this video about a Colombian photographer by the name of Emilio Aparicio who surprises this homeless woman, Andrea Chaparro by giving her one of the best birthday gifts ever. (It's in Spanish but I'm sure you'll be able to understand just by what you see.)
