* Sorry no pictures for this post
I meant to share this story hoping that whoever reads it to believe that each one of us has a responsibility to make things better not only for us but for the next generation. Also, never hesitate to offer help and never regret what you do, regardless of the outcome. Sometimes when I see what’s happening in today’s world, I lose faith in humanity. But, I always try to keep a positive attitude and try to make good deeds hoping things will get better.
Yesterday I went out to do my daily run. It was a nice morning and not many people in the streets, I was feeling good so I ran more than my usual running days. I usually walk the last 2 blocks to cool down, when I was about to cross the street I saw this young woman crying while holding her baby. I crossed the street but I couldn’t ignore her so I asked her if she was ok, she said no, so I crossed the street back to her side and asked her what’s going on. She was crying and she didn’t want to respond, then she mentioned something that she cannot find anyone to help her. I asked her to come with me, and we walked to my apartment. I asked her to calm down, offered her some juice and we then started to eat breakfast. Her newborn baby was very tiny and she mentioned that she wasn’t able to feed her because she wasn’t eating well herself and she works from 8AM until 11PM. Few minutes later, we went to an organization that helps with social issues. I later understood that this young mom has another 2 years old kid and at the time when I met her she was leaving her house because her husband is an alcoholic who keeps beating her and she left her other daughter with the neighbor. The organization had offered to assist her and her daughters till her situation improves.
When I was recalling some of an old experience when once I offered a lady to help she wanted to hit me, or some of the most recent experiences I had with other people here who wanted to take advantage of a situation, I thought I was lucky, I was lucky because I felt for some reason I was chosen to be in this situation, I think the reason I ran more than usual was to coincide with this lady at the same time. I was happy when I met this young lady that I acted on my first instinct and didn’t show any resentment based on past experiences. I think if I didn’t offer to help her or to ask her how she was doing, it would have hunted me for a long time.
I truly believe we have to continue to make things better and I truly believe that I don’t have to be someone with lots of power and money to change the world. When I think about these little things or little gestures when collectively added these are the things can make this world a better place to live. If something I learned is how little things we do can have a great impact on others. I hope that I gave this young mom a little hope in this life and I hope that her little baby will have better days when she grows up.
Everyday when I leave the house in the morning I always hope to see a situation where I can offer to help someone and although there are many bad stories we read and hear about, I try not to let fear control how I want to live. Helping someone is a two way street, because it helps me back, it makes me appreciate what I have. At the end of the day when I sat and reflected on yesterday’s event, I realized how fortunate I am, I have food, shelter, and I am surround by good family and good friends. I have been blessed with so many things and to be able to share these blessings with others is a great gift.
* I want to take a moment to thank Malena who assisted me and allowed us to help this young lady, may god bless your heart.
Hats off to people like who not only help complete strangers in need, but also set a good example to others and give people hope in humanity. Probably the greatest help that you offered to that lady wasn’t just the you helped her with her immediate need that day, but also gave her hope that there is still goodness in this world and even when one least expects it. Good on you!