In Such Poor Health I Couldn’t Walk When a Man Practically Supported Me to a Bathroom.
At the age of 19 years old, my regular journey to work meant taking an crowded coach. The vehicle was always crowded and would always be without any seats once I stepped aboard.
During a certain commute, I was feeling incredibly sick when the coach swayed around each corner. I kept telling myself to endure just a little longer before the bus arrived at my stop, and then I could rush hurriedly to the closest washroom to vomit.
The bus was approaching the avenue close to the stop when it dawned on me I would not be to hold on. In an instant, it was like a veil came over me. My vision turned blank and silent; similar to when one muted everything. I thought, “I will lose consciousness”.
Luckily I was toward the front on the bus, so I took a couple of steps to ask the driver and told the operator to open the doors, explaining to him that I was about to be sick. He opened the entrance and I weakly exited on to the pavement.
I was determined to not get sick in front of multiple lanes of cars, so I forced myself up and started trying to stumble across to the park on the other side, where I believed I’d at least be able to find some privacy behind a bush to be sick. Yet I must have fainted. I was aware of my limbs, but walking was impossible and my vision was blurry, so I started dragging myself toward the grassy area.
“Are you okay, dear?”
In that instant, I was lifted up. I sensed a strong arm supporting me and a stranger inquired, “You right, love?” I managed to tell the kind passerby that I had to to get to a bathroom. Thus, he practically helped me walk over to a nearby building and put me inside the women’s restroom. He wanted to know if I needed him to remain with me but I refused.
A few minutes later, I regained my composure enough to sit down and from outside the door I heard him ask, “Are you feeling better, dear? Is there anything you require?” I could not to get up just then but I was able to say thank you and after a few more minutes regained the function of my feet. I got myself home and spent the next few days getting over what was later diagnosed as a horrible case of gastroenteritis.
I did not see that man’s face – just his lower half along with a sizable metal toolbox he held – yet he rescued me, when I was in my weakest state.
Many times, life can make you defensive, aggressive and competitive. His act was the type of kindness that undoes that protective shell. He served as evidence that people’s natural inclination leans toward compassion, a trait I cherish about my fellow humans.
