The Kindness of Strangers

When the pandemic was just beginning, I tripped and fell on the street behind my office. It was at a time when many had already begun to keep physically distant from others to prevent the spread of the scary new coronavirus.

Two men engaged in conversation saw me fall and immediately rushed over.

“Are you hurt?” one asked.

“Can we help?” the other added.

“I don’t think I’m hurt,” I said.  They each took one of my hands and helped me up.

“Thanks,” I said, brushing the dust off my pants. Earlier this year one of my employees had fallen on the same street, spraining one wrist and breaking the other.  I was relieved to have avoided a similar fate.

The two men stayed to make sure I was okay.  After I again assured them I was fine, they nodded, gave me a “thumbs-up,” and left.

I was then, and I still am, grateful.  Kindness seems to be in shorter supply today than it was before the pandemic overran the world, perhaps because of our additional concerns. I must admit, the added stress in my own life has made it more difficult for me to be consistently pleasant, even though I know it’s more important than ever.

But isn’t the true test of character what you do when your own life is difficult?  Do you snarl, lash out, and blame others?  Or do you focus on the positive and actively express your empathy and support?

There are many times in our lives when we need help.  We most often turn to friends and family, but it’s reassuring to know that even in stressful times we can still rely on the kindness of strangers.

Alan