It has been nine years. Nine years since I learned how important it is to help. Just help. If you see something, do something. You may be the only person to help, and that can impact so many lives.
This is not a political diary. Just an everyday, help thy neighbor, be a decent human being one. A story I remember fondly.
It was a Saturday. I was driving to work. I had to work Saturday to pay my bills, a single mom, no less than 65 hours each week would cover rent and daycare.
I was in the turn lane, for the office complex that housed my office. I saw a stumbling pedestrian crossing the street, and immediately thought, drunkard, sobering up.
As I got closer, I saw a child. A teen, no more than 16 crossing the street. It was February, in Colorado, no more than 20 degrees outside. This kid was in a T-shirt, arms tucked in, shaking and shivering.
I turned in to the office complex, and, instinctually turned toward the child, and away from the office. I was going to be late.
I pulled into the parking lot, down an embankment from the child. I got out of the car and yelled to him. He turned, cold, teeth chattering, confused and alone. I called again.
He turned to face me, started toward me, slipped down the embankment, and headed toward me. And, I admonished him. I wish I hadnt, he just needed help. . . But I did. I hollered 'where is your coat?!?'. The 'mom' got the best of me.
Before he cold reply I had taken off my hoodie, and was pulling it over his head. He managed to stammer 'lady, I am not trying to take your coat'. I finished pulling it over his head.
I touched his hand, he was freezing. I told him to get in the car. In this day and age kids know not to get in a stranger's car. It just proves the desperation of this child, that he immediately complied.
We sat in the parking lot, in a warm car, talking about how he got himself in this mess.
He was a troubled teen, single mom, younger siblings. Mom was struggling, he was acting out.
He had met up with friends, 90 minute bus ride from home. He got separated from them, fell asleep behind a building, and woke up covered in snow. No money, no phone, no coat.
I drove to the ATM. I had $31 to my name. I pulled out $20. I drove my new friend, Cody, to the gas station. I bought him some hot cocoa. We made change for bus money from the $20 I gave him.
We drove around warming up for 20 minutes until the bus was scheduled. We talked about life, choices, a mother's love.
I dropped him at the bus station. He tried to return my hoodie, I told him to keep it and stay warm.
He then asked if he could give me a hug. That hug still brings tears to my eyes.
Cody had used my phone to call his friends, who hadn't answered. Two days later, I got a text. . . 'To the lady that helped him out. I just want to say thanks'
I use this as an example to both my kids. I tell them, daily, if we can help, we should. It is our mantra. And, they both live it. From volunteering, to donating, to advocating for kids getting bullied.
I am proud of the kids I raised. Proud of their advocation. And, I hope more of us can live by this rule.
If we can help, we should. The world will be a better place.
Wednesday, Mar 6, 2019 · 3:42:37 AM +00:00
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kaudi
I thank all of you for the recs. And for the sharing of your personal stories. I never thought this story would gain so much attention. Thank you all for restoring my faith in humanity. And, for lighting the candles of hope. You all inspire me.